The Best Daycare Centers in Matthews, IN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Matthews. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Matthews
The Goddard School of Columbus
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Columbus serves the Matthews area with a comprehensive F.L.E.X.® Learning Program that balances academic learning with creative play. Features state-licensed educators with bachelor's degrees, secure keypad entry systems, and live streaming cameras for parent monitoring. Curriculum focuses on STEAM learning, literacy development, and social-emotional skills. Offers nutritious meals and snacks, large outdoor playgrounds, and age-appropriate learning centers. Serves as the premier early childhood education provider in the Columbus metropolitan area.
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Sunshine Early Learning Center
Sunshine Early Learning Centers
Sunshine Early Learning Center provides high-quality childcare with a research-based curriculum that emphasizes whole-child development. Features low student-teacher ratios, degreed lead teachers, and secure facility access. Implements Creative Curriculum® with focus on language development, cognitive skills, and physical growth. Includes daily outdoor play, music and movement activities, and structured learning centers. Maintains excellent state licensing compliance record and offers flexible scheduling options for working families throughout Bartholomew County.
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Little Blessings Childcare & Preschool
Independent
Little Blessings provides Christian-based early childhood education serving Matthews and surrounding communities. Features experienced teaching staff with CPR/First Aid certification and ongoing professional development. Curriculum integrates faith-based values with academic readiness skills through hands-on learning activities. Offers secure facilities with monitored access, nutritious meal program, and age-appropriate playground equipment. Emphasizes character development, social skills, and kindergarten preparedness. Maintains strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Matthews, IN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Matthews, Indiana, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Matthews, 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. Licensed providers must meet strict standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and staff training. You can verify a facility's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any violations by using the "Child Care Finder" tool on the FSSA website. It's highly recommended to choose a licensed provider to ensure a baseline of safety and quality. For smaller, in-home care (fewer than six children), providers can be legally unlicensed but may choose to become a licensed childcare ministry or participate in the voluntary Paths to QUALITY™ rating system.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Matthews, IN, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Matthews and the surrounding Grant County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $150 to $225 per week, while toddler care is slightly lower, averaging $130 to $200 per week. Costs vary based on the type of facility (center vs. home-based), its Paths to QUALITY™ rating, and included amenities. For financial assistance, Indiana's Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program is the primary resource. Eligibility is based on income, work/school requirements, and family size. You can apply through the local Grant County Division of Family Resources office. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Matthews, and what can I do to secure a spot for my child?
Due to limited options in a smaller community like Matthews, waitlists for infant and toddler rooms at highly-rated centers can be significant, often ranging from 3 to 9 months. It's crucial to begin your search and get on lists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy. To improve your chances, contact multiple providers (including licensed home-based options in the surrounding rural areas), get on their lists even if you're unsure, and follow up with a polite phone call every 4-6 weeks to express continued interest. Be prepared with flexible start dates. Also, consider exploring providers in nearby Marion, the county seat, which may have more availability, though this adds commute time.
What are the main types of childcare options available specifically in Matthews, IN?
Matthews, being a small town, offers a few key types of childcare. Your primary options are: 1) **Licensed Childcare Centers**: These are formal facilities, though Matthews itself may only have one or two; many families look to centers in nearby Marion. 2) **Licensed Family Childcare Homes**: These are home-based providers licensed for a smaller number of children, often offering a more home-like setting and potentially more flexibility. These can be found within Matthews and the immediate rural area. 3) **Licensed Childcare Ministries**: These are programs operated by churches, which are common in Indiana. They must meet specific state ministry standards. Due to the town's size, exploring all these types and being willing to consider providers in the broader Grant County area is often necessary.
What is Paths to QUALITY™, and why is it important when choosing a daycare in Indiana?
Paths to QUALITY™ is Indiana's voluntary, free quality rating and improvement system for childcare providers. It's a crucial tool for parents in Matthews. Programs are rated on a scale of Level 1 (meets basic health and safety needs) to Level 4 (national accreditation). A higher rating indicates a program that exceeds minimum licensing standards in areas like learning environment, curriculum, staff education, and family engagement. Choosing a higher-rated provider in the Matthews area can mean a more structured, educational, and nurturing environment for your child. Furthermore, the state's CCDF voucher program pays higher reimbursement rates to higher-rated providers, making quality care more accessible. You can filter by rating on the state's Child Care Finder website.