The Best Daycare Centers in Mount Saint Francis, IN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Mount Saint Francis. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Mount Saint Francis
KinderCare Learning Center at Floyd Central
KinderCare Education
This NAEYC-accredited center offers a comprehensive educational curriculum with a focus on early childhood development. Features include STEM learning activities, literacy programs, and age-appropriate play-based learning. The center maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios with qualified early childhood educators. Facilities include secure classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and developmentally appropriate learning materials. Parents praise the consistent communication and nurturing environment that supports children's social, emotional, and academic growth.
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The Goddard School of New Albany
Goddard Systems, Inc.
This FLEX Learning Program facility emphasizes play-based learning with a structured curriculum that includes language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. The school features secure keypad entry, live streaming for parents, and modern classroom environments. Highly qualified teachers implement developmentally appropriate practices with a focus on individual learning styles. The center is known for its clean, safe environment and strong parent-teacher partnerships that support children's developmental milestones.
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Primrose School of Jeffersonville
Primrose Schools
This nationally accredited center follows the Balanced Learning® approach, blending teacher-directed and child-initiated activities. The curriculum emphasizes character development, literacy, and hands-on learning experiences. Features include secure facilities with restricted access, nutritious meal programs, and age-appropriate outdoor play areas. The highly trained staff maintains low student-teacher ratios and provides regular progress updates to parents. The school is recognized for its exceptional safety protocols and comprehensive early childhood education programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Mount Saint Francis, IN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Mount Saint Francis, Indiana, and how can I verify a facility's compliance?
In Mount Saint Francis, as part of Indiana, all licensed childcare centers and homes must comply with regulations set by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), specifically the Bureau of Child Care. Key requirements include staff-to-child ratios based on age, background checks for all employees, health and safety training (including CPR and first aid), and regular facility inspections. To verify a provider's license and compliance history, you can use the state's online "Child Care Finder" tool. This resource shows the provider's license status, any recent inspection reports, and any substantiated complaints. Given Mount Saint Francis's smaller, community-focused setting, many parents also find it helpful to ask for local references from other families.
What is the typical cost range for full-time daycare in Mount Saint Francis, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Mount Saint Francis area, which is part of Floyd County, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $175 to $225 per week, while care for a toddler or preschooler may cost between $150 and $200 per week. These costs are generally slightly lower than in larger nearby cities like New Albany or Louisville, KY, but can vary based on the facility's amenities, curriculum, and staff qualifications. For financial assistance, Indiana's Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program is the primary resource. Eligibility is based on income, work, or school attendance. You can apply through the local Floyd County FSSA office. Additionally, some local centers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees.
How long are waitlists for quality daycare centers in Mount Saint Francis, and when should I start looking for infant care?
Due to the limited number of dedicated daycare centers within Mount Saint Francis itself, many families also consider providers in nearby New Albany or Floyds Knobs. For the most sought-after, high-quality programs in the area, especially for infant care (which has the strictest staff-to-child ratios), waitlists can be 6 to 12 months long. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents begin touring facilities and getting on waitlists by the end of their first trimester. Being proactive is key. When inquiring, ask specific questions about the waitlist process: Is there a deposit? How often is the list updated? Do they offer priority for siblings?
What types of childcare settings are most common in Mount Saint Francis—centers, home-based daycares, or preschools?
Mount Saint Francis, being an unincorporated community and census-designated place, has a mix of options, but licensed home-based daycares (also known as family childcare homes) are particularly common and often well-regarded for their flexible, family-like environments. There are also several licensed childcare centers and faith-based preschool programs in the surrounding Floyd County area that serve Mount Saint Francis residents. For school-age children, many families utilize the before-and-after-school care programs offered through the local New Albany-Floyd County School Corporation. The choice often depends on a family's need for flexibility, desired educational structure, and transportation logistics.
Are there any unique local resources or networks for parents to find and vet childcare options in the Mount Saint Francis community?
Yes, leveraging local networks is invaluable in a close-knit community like Mount Saint Francis. A key resource is the **4C of Southern Indiana**, a Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR) agency that serves Floyd County. They offer free, personalized referrals to licensed providers and can help you understand quality indicators. For peer recommendations, many parents use the private "Floyd County Moms" or "Southern Indiana Parents" Facebook groups to ask for specific provider reviews and experiences. Additionally, checking with local churches, such as St. Mary of the Knobs, can provide leads on affiliated preschools or daycare recommendations from congregants.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Mount Saint Francis: