The Best Daycare Centers in Markle, IN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Markle. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Markle
Markle Church of Christ Child Care Ministry
Markle Church of Christ
This church-based childcare center provides a nurturing Christian environment with structured educational programs. They focus on age-appropriate developmental activities, social skills building, and early literacy. The center features qualified early childhood educators, low child-to-teacher ratios, and a safe, secure facility with both indoor and outdoor play areas. Their curriculum includes Bible stories, music, arts and crafts, and hands-on learning activities. They serve children from infancy through school age and offer flexible scheduling options for working families.
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Huntington County Community Child Care - Markle
Huntington County Community Child Care
As part of the Huntington County Community Child Care network, this Markle location offers comprehensive early childhood education programs with a play-based learning approach. The center features state-licensed teachers, developmentally appropriate curriculum, and emphasis on school readiness skills. Facilities include modern classrooms, secure entry systems, nutritious meal programs, and age-specific learning centers. They maintain strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences, focusing on each child's individual developmental progress and social-emotional growth.
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The Children's Garden Early Learning Center
Independent
Located in nearby Huntington (approximately 8 miles from Markle), this highly-rated learning center offers a comprehensive early childhood program with focus on hands-on, experiential learning. Their curriculum incorporates elements of Montessori and Reggio Emilia approaches, emphasizing natural materials, sensory experiences, and child-led exploration. The facility features bright, well-equipped classrooms, secure outdoor playgrounds, and specialized learning areas for different age groups. Staff includes degreed early childhood educators who provide individualized attention and track developmental milestones through ongoing assessment and portfolio documentation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Markle, IN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Markle, Indiana?
In Markle and the surrounding Wells 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 often range from $120 to $180 per week. These rates are generally lower than those in larger Indiana cities like Fort Wayne or Indianapolis. It's important to note that many providers include meals and snacks in their weekly rate. Be sure to ask what is included, as some may charge extra for supplies, registration, or late pickup. Financial assistance may be available through the state's Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program for eligible families.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Markle is properly licensed and check their inspection history?
All licensed childcare providers in Markle, 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 online through the state's official **Child Care Finder** website. Simply search by the provider's name or Markle's zip code (46770). This public portal shows the license status, capacity, and any cited non-compliances from recent inspections. You can also call the local Child Care Resource and Referral agency for Northeast Indiana at (260) 423-0008 for assistance. Always visit a potential daycare in person to observe the environment and ask the director to see their current license.
Are there many daycare options with immediate openings in Markle, or should I expect to join a waitlist?
Given that Markle is a smaller community, the number of licensed daycare providers is limited. It is very common for the most sought-after centers and in-home providers to have waitlists, especially for infant care. It is highly recommended to begin your search at least 3-6 months before you need care. Some providers serving the broader Huntington/Wells County area may have more availability. To improve your chances, contact providers directly to ask about current openings and waitlist procedures. Be prepared to place a deposit to hold a future spot. Exploring options in nearby towns like Huntington or Bluffton may also be necessary if local waitlists are extensive.
What are some of the local resources or organizations in Markle that can help me find and choose quality childcare?
A primary resource for parents in Markle is the **Early Childhood Alliance**, which serves as the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for Northeast Indiana. They offer free, personalized referrals to licensed providers in Wells County and can guide you through quality indicators. You can reach them at (260) 423-0008 or visit their website. Additionally, connecting with other parents through local Facebook groups (e.g., "Markle, Indiana Community") can provide personal recommendations. The Markle Public Library may also have community bulletin boards with childcare advertisements. For assessing quality, look for providers participating in Indiana's Paths to QUALITY™, the state's voluntary quality rating and improvement system.
Do any daycare providers in Markle offer flexible or non-traditional hours for parents working shifts or weekends?
Finding childcare with extended, evening, or weekend hours in a small town like Markle can be challenging, as most providers operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. However, some licensed family childcare homes may offer more flexible arrangements by individual agreement. Your best course of action is to clearly communicate your specific schedule needs when interviewing providers. You may have more luck finding flexible care by looking at providers in the larger Huntington area, approximately a 15-minute drive away, where there might be a greater variety of options. Another alternative is to explore registered ministry-based programs, though they often follow traditional hours. Planning for backup care, such as a trusted babysitter network, is advisable for shift workers.