The Best Daycare Centers in Lowell, IN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lowell. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lowell
Kiddie Academy of Crown Point
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Crown Point provides comprehensive educational childcare with their proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, STEM, and creative arts. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials, secure entry systems, and age-appropriate learning environments. Their program emphasizes social-emotional development through structured activities and play-based learning, with nutritious meals included. The facility includes modern classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and dedicated infant care areas with low teacher-to-child ratios.
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The Learning Experience - Valparaiso
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Valparaiso offers their proprietary L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that incorporates phonics, foreign language, manners, and physical fitness. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry and surveillance, along with highly trained teachers who receive ongoing professional development. Their programs include interactive learning technology, structured play areas, and developmentally appropriate classrooms. The facility emphasizes both academic preparation and character development through their philanthropy-based curriculum.
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Bright Horizons at St. Mary Medical Center
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at St. Mary Medical Center offers research-based early education programs with their World at Their Fingertips® curriculum that emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies. The center features highly qualified teachers with bachelor's degrees in early childhood education, comprehensive safety protocols including health screening systems, and modern learning environments. Their approach focuses on project-based learning and individualized development tracking. The facility includes dedicated art studios, movement spaces, and outdoor learning environments with natural play elements.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lowell, IN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Lowell, Indiana, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Lowell, Indiana, all childcare centers, ministries, and home-based 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. Licensing ensures providers 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 substantiated complaints through the state's online **Child Care Finder** tool. It's highly recommended to use this resource and even ask the provider directly to see their most recent licensing report. Local options in Lowell include both licensed centers and licensed family childcare homes.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Lowell, IN?
The cost of daycare in Lowell is generally more affordable than in larger Indiana metros like Indianapolis or Chicago suburbs, but prices vary by type of care. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay approximately **$150 to $225 per week** for full-time infant or toddler care. Licensed family childcare homes often range from **$125 to $175 per week**. These are estimates, and rates can be higher for centers with specialized curricula or extended hours. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly fee (e.g., meals, diapers, formula). Financial assistance may be available through the state's **CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) voucher program** for eligible families.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Lowell, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Waitlists for infant care, in particular, can be common at popular licensed centers in Lowell due to lower staff-to-child ratios required by state law. It is advisable to **begin your search at least 3-6 months before your needed start date**, especially if you are returning to work after parental leave. Some centers may have shorter lists for older toddlers or preschool-age children. When touring facilities, always ask about their current waitlist policy, estimated timeline, and if a deposit is required to hold a spot. Exploring multiple options—including both centers and licensed family homes—can increase your chances of securing a spot without a lengthy wait.
What are the options for before and after-school care for school-age children in Lowell, IN?
For school-age children (Kindergarten through 5th or 6th grade), Lowell has several options. The **Tri-Creek School Corporation** may offer its own SACC (School Age Child Care) program at or near the elementary schools, which is a convenient and popular choice. Additionally, several local licensed daycare centers and some family homes provide before and after-school care, including transportation to and from specific Lowell-area schools. These programs typically offer care from around 6:30-7:00 AM until school starts and then from school dismissal until 5:30-6:00 PM. It's crucial to inquire about transportation arrangements, space availability, and costs for these part-time schedules early, as spots can fill up.
What local resources or referrals are available to help me find and choose a daycare in Lowell?
A key first step is the state's official **Child Care Finder** website, which allows you to search by zip code (46356 for Lowell), filter by type of care, and view inspection histories. For personalized referrals, you can contact the **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency** that serves Lake County, which includes Lowell. **4C of Southern Indiana** is the designated CCR&R for the region and offers free, unbiased counseling to parents. They can provide lists of licensed providers, discuss your specific needs (hours, budget, curriculum), and explain financial assistance programs. You can also seek recommendations from local parent groups on social media or the Lowell Public Library, which may have community bulletin boards.
Childcare Insights for Lowell
Finding the right childcare is one of the most important decisions a family makes, and if you’re searching for “daycare near me” in Lowell, Indiana, you’re likely looking for that perfect blend of safety, nurturing, and convenience. The good news is that Lowell and its surrounding communities in Northwest Indiana offer a variety of wonderful options to fit different family needs, from established centers to intimate home-based settings. The key is knowing what to look for and where to start your search right here in our own community.
A great first step is to tap into local resources that parents in Lowell trust. The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration’s Child Care Finder website is an essential tool, allowing you to filter by zip code (46356) and view licensed providers’ inspection reports and quality ratings. Don’t underestimate the power of our local networks, either. Asking for recommendations in community Facebook groups like “Lowell Community Forum” or chatting with other parents at the Lowell Public Library or Oak Hill Elementary can lead to personal insights you won’t find online. Many families in our area also find excellent care through trusted home daycares, which often provide a smaller, family-like environment and can be more flexible with schedules that align with the rhythms of life in Lowell.
When evaluating daycares in our specific area, consider your daily logistics. Think about your commute—whether you’re heading towards I-65, Route 2, or Route 41—and how a provider’s location fits into that route. Inquire about their policies for days when Lowell Community School Corporation has a snow delay or closure; a provider with a matching policy can be a lifesaver during a Midwest winter. It’s also wise to ask about outdoor play spaces and how they utilize local amenities. Does the daycare take children to the Lowell Public Library for story time, or to Oakley Park for fresh air? These local connections enrich your child’s experience.
Ultimately, nothing replaces an in-person visit. When you tour a facility, observe how the caregivers interact with the children. Is the atmosphere warm and engaged? Ask about their curriculum and how they prepare children for the transition into Lowell’s local schools. Discuss their safety protocols, including secure access and emergency plans. Pay attention to your gut feeling; you want a place where you feel confident and comfortable leaving your most precious little one. Remember, the right “daycare near me” in Lowell isn’t just about proximity—it’s about finding a supportive partner in your child’s early years, right here in the town we call home. Taking the time to research and visit will help you find a setting where your child can learn, play, and thrive.