The Best Daycare Centers in Miami, IN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Miami. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Miami
Bright Horizons at Kokomo
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Kokomo is a highly-regarded early education center located approximately 15 miles from Miami, Indiana. The center follows the World at Their Fingertips curriculum, which emphasizes language, literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, arts, and technology through hands-on learning. Their qualified teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low teacher-to-child ratios. The facility features age-appropriate classrooms, secure entry systems, and outdoor play areas. What sets this center apart is their strong focus on school readiness, comprehensive safety protocols, and parent communication through the MyBrightDay app that provides real-time updates on children's activities and development.
Daycare Services:
KinderCare at Kokomo
KinderCare Learning Companies
KinderCare at Kokomo serves the Miami area with comprehensive early childhood education programs located about 12 miles away. The center employs a balanced learning approach that combines academic preparation with social-emotional development. Their curriculum includes phonics-based reading readiness, early math concepts, science exploration, and creative arts. All teachers are CPR and First Aid certified, with many holding Child Development Associate credentials or higher. The facility includes secure keypad entry, regularly sanitized classrooms, and age-appropriate playgrounds. Parents particularly appreciate the consistent communication, nutritious meal programs, and the center's focus on building confidence and independence in children.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Kokomo
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Kokomo, located approximately 14 miles from Miami, offers a premier early childhood education experience with their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience). This play-based curriculum promotes cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development through structured learning centers. The school features highly qualified faculty with ongoing professional development, secure facilities with surveillance systems, and modern classrooms designed for optimal learning. Their STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) enrichment programs and focus on literacy development make this center stand out. The school maintains excellent health and safety standards with rigorous cleaning protocols and comprehensive background checks for all staff members.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Miami, IN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Miami, Indiana, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Indiana, all child care ministries, centers, 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. This licensing ensures they meet health, safety, and staff training standards. For providers in Miami, Indiana (a small town in Miami County), you can verify a facility's license and view any past violations using the state's online **Child Care Finder** tool. It's also recommended to visit the facility in person, ask for their license number, and check with the local Miami County Health Department for any additional local regulations or inspection reports.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Miami, Indiana?
Childcare costs in smaller Indiana towns like Miami are generally lower than in metropolitan areas, but they vary based on the type of care. For a licensed daycare center in the Miami County area, you can expect to pay an average of **$130 to $180 per week** for full-time infant or toddler care. Licensed family home daycares may be slightly less, often ranging from **$100 to $150 per week**. It's important to note that these are estimates; prices can differ based on specific programs, hours, and whether meals are included. Always inquire about what the weekly fee covers and if there are any additional charges for supplies or late pickups.
Are there any state or local programs in Miami, Indiana, that help with childcare costs for low to moderate-income families?
Yes, Indiana offers the **Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Voucher Program** to assist eligible families. This state-administered program provides financial assistance to help pay for licensed or registered childcare. Eligibility is based on family size, income, and reason for care (such as employment or education). Families in Miami, Indiana, can apply through the local **Miami County Division of Family Resources** office or online via the state's FSSA website. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or scholarships, so it's worth asking directly when you tour facilities.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in the Miami, Indiana area, and how can I improve my chances of securing a spot?
While waitlists in a small town like Miami are typically shorter than in large cities, popular and highly-rated centers, especially for infant rooms, can still have waitlists of **2 to 6 months**. It's crucial to start your search early, ideally during pregnancy or several months before you need care. To improve your chances, contact multiple providers (both centers and licensed homes), get on multiple waitlists, and follow up with a polite phone call every 4-6 weeks to express continued interest. Be flexible with your start date if possible. Also, consider expanding your search to nearby towns like Peru or Bunker Hill for more options.
What are some key questions to ask when touring a daycare facility in Miami, Indiana, specific to local considerations?
Beyond general questions about curriculum and safety, ask locally-relevant questions: 1) **Staffing:** "What is your staff turnover rate, and are all caregivers trained in Indiana's required health and safety protocols?" 2) **Emergency Plans:** "What is your specific plan for severe weather common to Indiana, like tornadoes, and where is your designated safe room?" 3) **Local Outings:** "Do children go on walks or visits to local spots (e.g., the Miami County Museum or local parks), and what is the safety protocol?" 4) **Health:** "What is your sick policy, especially regarding common childhood illnesses, and is there a relationship with a local pediatrician or clinic?" 5) **Community:** "How do you communicate with parents, and are there events that connect families within the small Miami community?" These questions will help you gauge the program's quality and local integration.