The Best Daycare Centers in Oxford, IN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Oxford. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Oxford
KinderCare Learning Center at McCarty Lane
KinderCare Education LLC
KinderCare at McCarty Lane offers a comprehensive early childhood education program with a balanced learning approach that integrates literacy, math, science, and social skills through play-based and structured activities. The center features state-licensed teachers with degrees in early childhood education, low student-teacher ratios, and secure facilities with keypad entry systems. Their curriculum includes daily learning segments, outdoor play areas, and nutritional meal programs. Parents highlight the center's strong communication, developmental milestone tracking, and inclusive environment, making it a trusted choice for families in the Oxford area seeking quality childcare with proven educational outcomes.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Lafayette
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Lafayette is renowned for its F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience), which emphasizes play-based learning, STEM activities, and individualized development plans. The center boasts highly qualified teachers with early childhood certifications, modern classrooms, and secure environments with surveillance systems. Features include age-appropriate learning labs, outdoor playgrounds, and a focus on social-emotional growth. With excellent parent satisfaction due to regular progress updates, low staff turnover, and a curriculum that prepares children for kindergarten, it serves as a top-tier option for Oxford residents seeking a nurturing and academically focused childcare environment.
Daycare Services:
Childtime of Lafayette
Learning Care Group, Inc.
Childtime of Lafayette provides a well-rounded early education experience with a research-based curriculum that focuses on literacy, math, science, and creative arts through hands-on activities. The center employs experienced teachers with background checks and ongoing training, maintains small class sizes for personalized attention, and features safe, clean facilities with monitored access. Highlights include interactive technology zones, nutritious meal programs, and a strong emphasis on school readiness. Parents appreciate the center's consistent communication, engaging learning environments, and flexible scheduling options, making it a reliable choice for families in and around Oxford.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Oxford, IN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Oxford, Indiana?
In Oxford, Indiana, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of facility and the age of your child. For a licensed in-home daycare, you might expect to pay between $120 to $160 per week for an infant or toddler. Larger daycare centers in nearby towns like Lafayette or Crawfordsville that serve the Oxford area may charge $150 to $220 per week. It's important to note that Oxford is a smaller, rural community, so options within the town limits are limited, and many parents commute to neighboring areas for care, which can affect overall cost when factoring in travel. Always ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials.
How do I verify that a daycare provider in Oxford is properly licensed and meets Indiana state regulations?
All licensed childcare providers in Indiana, including those in Oxford, are regulated by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) through the Bureau of Child Care. You can verify a provider's license and view their compliance history online via the **Indiana Child Care Finder** website. Simply search by provider name, city, or zip code (47971 for Oxford). This tool will show you the license status, capacity, any reported violations, and inspection reports. For very small, legally license-exempt providers (like those caring for only the children of one unrelated family), verification is more personal; always ask for references and a comprehensive interview.
Are there any state or local programs in Benton County that help with childcare costs for families in Oxford?
Yes, families in Oxford and Benton County may qualify for financial assistance through Indiana's **Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program**. This state program helps low-income working families, those in education/training, or those receiving protective services pay for childcare. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care. You apply through the local **Benton County Division of Family Resources** office. Additionally, some providers may offer sliding scale fees. Given the rural nature of the area, it's also worth checking with the Benton County Community Foundation or United Way for any local scholarship initiatives.
What is the availability and waitlist situation for daycare spots for infants in Oxford?
Due to Oxford's small size, there are very few dedicated daycare facilities within the town itself. Most providers are licensed family home daycares, which have very limited infant spots (often only 1-2 per home due to state staff-to-child ratios). Consequently, waitlists for infant care are common and can be several months long. It is highly recommended to begin your search during pregnancy. Many parents expand their search to surrounding communities like Fowler, Boswell, or even Lafayette (a 30-minute drive), where there are more centers, but waitlists may still apply. Proactively contacting providers and getting on multiple lists is a standard strategy.
What are some key questions to ask a potential in-home daycare provider in a rural community like Oxford?
When interviewing an in-home provider in Oxford, beyond standard questions about schedule and cost, ask these locally-relevant questions: 1) **Emergency Plans:** What is your protocol for severe weather common to Indiana (tornadoes, winter storms) and medical emergencies, given the distance to major hospitals? 2) **Transportation & Field Trips:** Do you provide any transportation, and if so, are vehicles properly insured and equipped with car seats? 3) **Backup Care:** What is your plan if you, as the sole provider, are sick? 4) **Outdoor Play:** How do you utilize outdoor space safely, considering the rural setting? 5) **Local Network:** Are you part of any provider networks in Benton County for training and support? Getting references from other local parents is especially valuable in a close-knit community.