The Best Daycare Centers in Lexington, IN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lexington. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lexington
Little Blessings Childcare & Preschool
Independent
Little Blessings is a highly-regarded Christian-based childcare center serving the Lexington area and surrounding Scott County. They offer a comprehensive early childhood education program with a play-based learning approach that incorporates both structured and unstructured activities. The center features qualified early childhood educators with low teacher-to-child ratios, secure entry systems, and modern safety protocols. Their curriculum includes literacy development, math readiness, science exploration, and social-emotional learning. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, dedicated infant rooms, and bright, engaging classrooms. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment, excellent communication, and the center's commitment to each child's individual development.
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Kiddie Academy of North Vernon
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of North Vernon is part of a respected national network serving families in the Lexington area with a comprehensive Life Essentials® curriculum. The center focuses on character development, academic preparation, and social skills through hands-on learning experiences. Features include state-licensed teachers with early childhood credentials, secure keypad entry, real-time electronic daily reports for parents, and nutritionally balanced meals. The modern facility includes STEM learning centers, interactive smart boards, and safe outdoor play areas. The academy emphasizes developing the whole child through a balanced approach of structured learning and creative play, with particular strength in preparing children for kindergarten readiness.
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Growing Kids Learning Center - Scottsburg
Growing Kids Learning Centers
Growing Kids Learning Center in Scottsburg is a well-established regional childcare provider serving Lexington and surrounding communities with a research-based curriculum. The center offers age-appropriate learning programs from infancy through school age, featuring small class sizes and degreed lead teachers. Their comprehensive approach includes language development, cognitive skills, physical development, and social-emotional growth. The facility includes secure monitoring systems, commercial-grade playground equipment, and dedicated learning centers for different age groups. Parents consistently highlight the center's excellent communication, experienced staff, and the visible progress children make in their development. The center also offers flexible scheduling and comprehensive enrichment programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lexington, IN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Lexington, Indiana, and how can I verify a facility's status?
In Indiana, all childcare providers caring for more than five unrelated children must be licensed by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning. This includes family child care homes and childcare centers. Licensed providers in Lexington must meet state standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and training. You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any violations using the state's online **Child Care Finder** tool. It's highly recommended to use this resource and also contact the local licensing consultant for Region 15, which includes Scott County, for any specific questions about providers in the Lexington area.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Lexington, IN?
Childcare costs in Lexington and the surrounding Scott County area are generally lower than in larger Indiana metros like Indianapolis, but can vary based on the type of care. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay approximately **$130 to $175 per week** for full-time infant or toddler care. In-home family daycare providers may range from **$100 to $140 per week**. These are estimates, and prices can differ based on a center's amenities, curriculum, and meal provisions. It's important to ask exactly what is included in the weekly rate. Financial assistance may be available through Indiana's **Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program** for eligible families.
Are there many daycare options with immediate openings in Lexington, or should I expect to join a waitlist?
Due to Lexington's smaller, rural community size, the number of licensed daycare providers is limited. It is very common for reputable centers and in-home providers to have waitlists, especially for infant care. Parents are strongly advised to begin their search **6 to 12 months** before they need care. While you may occasionally find a home provider with an immediate opening, planning ahead is crucial. Don't hesitate to get on multiple waitlists. Expanding your search to nearby towns like Scottsburg, Austin, or even across the river to Louisville, KY, may provide more options, though this will significantly increase commute time.
What resources are available in Lexington to help me find and evaluate local childcare options?
Your primary resource is the state's **Child Care Finder** website and hotline. Additionally, you can contact the **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency** that serves Scott County. As of now, this is **4C of Southern Indiana**, which can provide personalized referrals, information on quality indicators, and guidance on financial assistance. For local, word-of-mouth recommendations, consider asking at the Scott County Public Library in Scottsburg, your pediatrician's office, or community Facebook groups like "Lexington, Indiana Community" or "Scott County, Indiana Moms." Visiting potential providers in person for a tour is the most critical step in evaluation.
Are there any state-funded pre-kindergarten programs available for 4-year-olds in Lexington, such as On My Way Pre-K?
Yes, Indiana's **On My Way Pre-K** program is a state-funded grant for income-eligible 4-year-olds to attend high-quality pre-K. Lexington itself may have limited participating providers due to its size, but eligible families in Scott County can use the grant at approved programs in the wider area. You must apply and be deemed eligible through the state portal. Another key program is **Head Start**, which may be offered through the local school district or a community action agency. Contacting the **Scott County School District 2** administrative office is a good first step to learn about public preschool options and partnerships for Lexington residents.