The Best Daycare Centers in Laotto, IN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Laotto. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Laotto
Bright Horizons at Parkview
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Parkview is a nationally accredited childcare center located approximately 15 miles from Laotto. The center follows the World at Their Fingertips curriculum, focusing on language, literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, arts, and technology. Teachers hold early childhood education credentials and maintain low teacher-to-child ratios. The facility features age-appropriate classrooms, secure entry systems, and outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups. Parents praise the center's communication through the Bright Horizons mobile app, which provides daily updates, photos, and developmental milestones. The center emphasizes social-emotional learning and school readiness with a play-based approach that balances structured activities with child-directed exploration.
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Stepping Stones Early Learning Center
Independent
Located in Kendallville just 8 miles from Laotto, Stepping Stones Early Learning Center is a NAEYC-accredited facility known for its comprehensive early childhood program. The center uses Creative Curriculum combined with Indiana Early Learning Foundations to prepare children for kindergarten success. Certified teachers implement individualized learning plans and maintain detailed portfolios tracking each child's development. The facility includes secure classrooms, commercial kitchen providing nutritious meals, and fenced outdoor play areas with age-appropriate equipment. Parents consistently highlight the caring staff, clean environment, and strong communication. The center offers flexible scheduling and serves children from 6 weeks through school age with before/after school transportation to local elementary schools.
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The Learning Garden
Independent
The Learning Garden in Kendallville (approximately 7 miles from Laotto) provides a nurturing environment with a focus on hands-on learning and developmental appropriateness. The center implements HighScope curriculum, emphasizing active participatory learning through plan-do-review sequences. Qualified early childhood educators maintain small class sizes and individualized attention. The facility features secure access, modern classrooms with natural lighting, and extensive outdoor learning environments including gardens and nature exploration areas. The center is known for its strong literacy program, STEM activities, and social skills development. Parents appreciate the transparent communication, experienced staff, and the center's commitment to creating a home-like atmosphere while maintaining high educational standards.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Laotto, IN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Laotto, Indiana?
In Laotto and the surrounding Noble County area, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of provider. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay approximately $150 to $225 per week for an infant or toddler. In-home licensed family childcare homes may range from $120 to $180 per week. These rates are generally lower than those in larger Indiana cities like Fort Wayne but are consistent with the rural northeast Indiana region. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials. Additionally, Indiana offers the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program for eligible families to help offset these costs, which you can apply for through the Noble County Division of Family Resources.
How can I verify that a daycare provider in Laotto is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All licensed childcare providers in Indiana are regulated by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning. You can verify a provider's license and view their compliance history by using the state's online "Child Care Finder" tool. Simply search by the provider's name or Laotto's zip code (46763). This database will show you the license status, capacity, and any reported non-compliances or violations from state inspections over the past three years. For an in-home provider, ensure they are either licensed or legally exempt (caring for fewer than 6 unrelated children). Always visit the facility in person and ask the director for their most recent licensing report.
Are there any local preschool programs integrated into daycare centers in Laotto?
Yes, several daycare providers in and near Laotto offer integrated preschool programs for children ages 3-5. These programs are often part of the daily schedule at larger centers and focus on kindergarten readiness through structured play, early literacy, and social skills development. Given Laotto's proximity to Kendallville and Avilla, you may also find options in those towns, which are a short commute away. Some providers participate in Indiana's On My Way Pre-K program, which provides state-funded pre-kindergarten for qualifying 4-year-olds. It's recommended to contact providers directly to ask about their preschool curriculum, teacher qualifications, and whether they are a registered On My Way Pre-K provider.
What is the average waitlist time for daycare centers in Laotto, and how should I plan ahead?
Due to the limited number of dedicated daycare centers within Laotto itself, waitlists can be common, especially for infant care. The average waitlist time can range from 2 to 6 months, depending on the time of year and the child's age. For the most popular providers, it's not uncommon for spots to fill up months in advance. Parents are advised to begin their search and place their name on multiple waitlists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy or at least 4-6 months before their needed start date. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee (typically $25-$50). Expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in the area can also provide more immediate availability.
What are the options for before and after-school care for school-age children in the East Noble School Corporation area, which serves Laotto?
For school-age children residing in Laotto who attend East Noble schools, there are a few primary options. Some elementary schools within the district may offer their own school-age childcare programs on-site. Additionally, several licensed daycare centers in Kendallville (the district's main town) provide transportation to and from specific schools for before and after-school care. The YMCA of Noble County also often runs school-age childcare programs at or near school facilities. Costs for this care typically range from $50 to $100 per week. It is crucial to contact the East Noble School Corporation administrative office or your child's specific school to get a current list of approved providers and program details, as offerings can change annually.