The Best Daycare Centers in Odon, IN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Odon. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Odon
Little Blessings Childcare & Preschool
Independent
Little Blessings is a highly-regarded local childcare center serving Odon with a comprehensive educational program. They offer a structured curriculum that balances academic preparation with social-emotional development, featuring age-appropriate learning activities, hands-on exploration, and Christian values integration. The facility maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios with qualified staff holding early childhood education credentials. Their secure facility includes monitored access, age-specific classrooms, and safe outdoor play areas. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment, strong communication, and individualized attention each child receives.
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Washington KinderCare
KinderCare Learning Companies
Washington KinderCare serves families throughout Daviess County, including Odon residents, with a nationally-recognized early childhood education program. Their research-based curriculum focuses on literacy, math, science, and social skills development through play-based learning. The center features secure entry systems, dedicated age-group classrooms, and certified teachers with ongoing professional development. They offer nutritious meal programs, regular developmental assessments, and extended hours to accommodate working families. The center is praised for its structured learning environment and experienced teaching staff.
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Little Saints Learning Academy
Independent
Located in nearby Loogootee, Little Saints Learning Academy serves families throughout the region with a faith-based educational approach. Their comprehensive curriculum emphasizes early literacy, STEM exploration, and character development in a safe, nurturing environment. The center features state-licensed teachers, low student-teacher ratios, modern security systems, and age-appropriate learning materials. They provide balanced nutrition programs and maintain excellent communication with parents through daily updates and regular conferences. The academy is particularly noted for its strong community involvement and family-oriented atmosphere.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Odon, IN
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available in Odon, Indiana?
In Odon, Indiana, parents primarily have access to licensed home-based daycare providers and licensed childcare centers. Due to Odon's smaller, rural community size, home-based providers are a common and popular choice, often offering a more intimate, family-like setting. There are also a few licensed childcare centers that may operate in nearby towns serving the Odon area. All licensed providers in Indiana are regulated by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) and must meet state standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, and background checks. You can search for all licensed options in Daviess County, which includes Odon, using the FSSA's online Child Care Finder.
How much does full-time daycare typically cost in Odon, and are there any financial assistance programs?
In Odon and surrounding Daviess County, full-time daycare costs are generally lower than state or national averages, reflecting the local cost of living. For an infant, you might expect to pay between $120-$160 per week at a licensed home daycare, and slightly more at a center. For toddlers and preschoolers, weekly rates often range from $100-$140. It's crucial to inquire directly with providers for their specific rates. For financial assistance, Indiana's Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program is available for eligible families. You can apply through the Daviess County Division of Family Resources office in Washington, IN. Some local providers may also offer sibling discounts.
Are daycare waitlists common in Odon, and how far in advance should I start looking?
While not as extreme as in larger cities, waitlists for infant care and highly sought-after providers in Odon are common due to limited slots. Licensed home daycares, in particular, may have very small capacities (often 6-12 children), so they fill up quickly. It is strongly recommended that parents begin their search at least 3-6 months before their needed start date, especially for infant care. For a September start (aligning with the school year), beginning your search in the spring is wise. Be prepared to contact multiple providers, ask about their current enrollment and waitlist policies, and potentially place a deposit to secure a future spot.
What should I look for when touring a home daycare in Odon, and what questions are specific to a rural setting?
When touring a home daycare in Odon, beyond standard checks for cleanliness, safety, and licensure, ask questions relevant to the rural environment. Inquire about their outdoor play area: Is it securely fenced? Given the agricultural surroundings, ask about their policies regarding pesticides or fertilizers used nearby. Ask about their emergency plan for severe weather common to Indiana (tornadoes) and their protocol for transportation or field trips on country roads. Also, discuss their policy for school delays or closures for the local North Daviess Community Schools, as this affects schedules for school-age children they may care for. Finally, verify their backup plan if the provider gets sick, as alternatives may be farther away.
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Indiana, and how can I verify a provider's compliance in Odon?
All childcare providers caring for more than 5 unrelated children in Indiana must be licensed by the FSSA. Key requirements include: passing comprehensive criminal history checks for all adults in the home or center, completing CPR and first aid certification, meeting ongoing training hours in child development and safety, adhering to strict staff-to-child ratios based on age, and passing health and safety inspections of the physical environment. To verify a provider's status and view their latest inspection reports, you must use the official **Indiana Child Care Finder** website. You can search by provider name, city (Odon), or zip code. This public tool shows their license type, capacity, any compliance history, and their current rating in Indiana's voluntary Paths to QUALITY™ quality rating system.