The Best Daycare Centers in Preble, IN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Preble. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Preble
Creative Beginnings Childcare & Preschool
Creative Beginnings
Creative Beginnings is a highly-rated childcare center located just 15 minutes from Preble, serving families throughout Noble County. They offer a comprehensive early childhood education program with a play-based learning approach that incorporates Creative Curriculum standards. The center features certified early childhood educators with ongoing professional development, low teacher-to-child ratios, and secure facility access with coded entry systems. Their program includes age-appropriate learning centers, outdoor playgrounds with safety surfaces, nutritious meal programs, and structured activities that promote social, emotional, and academic development. Parents consistently praise the warm, nurturing environment and strong communication between staff and families.
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Imagination Station Early Learning Center
Imagination Station
Located approximately 20 minutes from Preble in Auburn, Imagination Station provides high-quality early childhood education with a focus on developmental milestones. The center employs degreed early childhood professionals and maintains small class sizes to ensure individualized attention. Their curriculum blends structured learning with creative exploration, featuring STEM activities, literacy development, and social skills building. The facility includes secure monitored access, modern classroom technology, age-specific playgrounds, and commercial-grade kitchen facilities providing balanced meals. The center is known for its comprehensive safety protocols, regular parent-teacher conferences, and inclusive environment that accommodates diverse learning needs.
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Little Eagles Childcare & Learning Center
Little Eagles
Little Eagles serves the Preble area from their Kendallville location, offering a balanced approach to early childhood development that combines academic preparation with character building. The center features state-licensed teachers with specialized training in early childhood education and maintains excellent staff retention rates. Their curriculum emphasizes kindergarten readiness through phonics-based literacy programs, hands-on math activities, and science exploration. The facility includes secure entry systems, camera monitoring in common areas, modern learning materials, and expansive outdoor play spaces. Parents appreciate the consistent daily routines, transparent communication through digital platforms, and the center's commitment to creating a family-like atmosphere where children feel secure and valued.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Preble, IN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Preble, Indiana?
In Preble and the surrounding rural areas of Adams County, Indiana, full-time daycare costs are generally lower than in major metropolitan areas but can vary based on the type of provider. For a licensed in-home daycare, you might expect to pay between $120 to $160 per week. For a larger childcare center, weekly rates typically range from $140 to $190. These costs are for full-time, 5-day care. It's important to note that infant care is often at the higher end of this range due to required lower staff-to-child ratios. Financial assistance may be available through Indiana's Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program for eligible families, which can be applied for through the local county office.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Preble is properly licensed and check their inspection history?
All licensed childcare providers in Indiana are regulated by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), specifically the Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning. You can verify a provider's license and view their detailed compliance history, including any cited violations, by using the "Child Care Finder" online tool on the FSSA website. Simply search by the provider's name, city (Preble), or zip code. This public database shows the license status, capacity, ages served, and results of unannounced inspections from the last three years. For very small, legally license-exempt providers (caring for only the children of one unrelated family), you should ask for references and ensure they meet basic health and safety standards.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Preble, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to Preble's smaller, rural community size, the number of formal daycare centers is limited. While large waitlists are less common than in bigger cities, the most popular and well-regarded providers often have limited openings, especially for infants. It is highly recommended that expecting parents or families planning a return to work begin researching and contacting providers at least 3 to 6 months in advance. For immediate needs, expanding your search to nearby towns like Decatur or Monroe may provide more options. Many local providers operate through word-of-mouth, so asking for recommendations in community Facebook groups (e.g., "Preble, IN Community") or at local churches can be very effective.
What are the most common types of childcare options available specifically in Preble?
In a small community like Preble, childcare options primarily consist of licensed family childcare homes (operated in a provider's residence) and a smaller number of registered ministry-based preschool programs that may offer extended care. There are few, if any, large corporate childcare centers within the town limits itself. Many families also utilize smaller, legally license-exempt providers or trusted neighbors. For school-age children, the local Preble Elementary School may offer before/after-school programs. Given the agricultural setting, some providers may also offer more flexible or seasonal hours to accommodate farming families. Networking with other parents at community events or the Preble Branch of the Adams Public Library is a key way to discover local in-home providers.
What should I look for or ask about regarding transportation and outdoor play when touring a daycare in Preble?
Given Preble's rural setting, transportation and outdoor space are important considerations. Ask if the provider offers any transportation to or from local Preble Elementary School for before/after-school care. For outdoor play, inspect the safety and condition of the play area. Is it securely fenced, especially given that properties may be near rural roads or fields? What type of equipment is available, and is the surface soft (like mulch or rubber mats)? Given Indiana's weather, also ask about alternative indoor gross motor activities for rainy or very cold days. Many local providers take advantage of their larger rural properties for nature-based play, which can be a great benefit. Ensure any walking trips (e.g., to the library or park) involve strict safety protocols for crossing streets.