The Best Daycare Centers in Rome, IN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Rome. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Rome
Kiddie Academy of Madison
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Madison is a highly-regarded educational childcare center located approximately 15 minutes from Rome, serving families throughout Jefferson County. The center implements the Life Essentials® curriculum, focusing on character development, literacy, STEM, and social-emotional learning. Features state-certified teachers with early childhood education credentials, secure entry systems, and comprehensive safety protocols. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and technology-enhanced learning spaces. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, nurturing environment, and academic preparation for kindergarten readiness.
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Growing Kids Learning Center - North Madison
Growing Kids Learning Centers
Growing Kids Learning Center in North Madison serves the Rome area with comprehensive early childhood education programs. The center employs a research-based curriculum emphasizing literacy, mathematics, and social development. Features include low student-teacher ratios, degreed lead teachers, secure facility with camera monitoring, and nutritious meal programs. The facility offers dedicated infant rooms, toddler learning centers, and preschool classrooms with interactive technology. Highly rated for its structured learning environment, experienced staff, and strong parent-teacher partnerships that support child development milestones.
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First Steps Early Learning Center
First Steps Early Learning Center
First Steps Early Learning Center is a locally-owned childcare facility serving Rome and surrounding communities with over 18 years of operation. The center provides a balanced approach to early education combining play-based learning with structured academic preparation. Features include certified early childhood educators, developmentally appropriate curriculum, secure facility with keypad entry, and outdoor learning environments. Specializes in individualized learning plans, regular progress assessments, and family engagement. Parents consistently highlight the center's caring staff, clean facilities, and effective communication about child development and daily activities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Rome, IN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Rome, Indiana, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Rome, Indiana, all childcare centers and home-based daycare 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. Licensed providers must meet strict standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff background checks, health and safety procedures, and ongoing training. You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any substantiated complaints by using the "Child Care Finder" tool on the FSSA website. It's highly recommended to only consider licensed providers to ensure your child's safety and a regulated standard of care.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in the Rome, IN area?
Childcare costs in Rome and the surrounding rural areas of Indiana are generally lower than the state average, but availability can be limited. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay approximately $120 to $160 per week for full-time infant or toddler care. Registered home daycares may be slightly less, ranging from $100 to $140 per week. These are estimates, and prices vary based on the provider's amenities, curriculum, and meal provisions. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate (e.g., diapers, wipes, formula, meals) as these can significantly impact your overall cost.
Are there any state or local subsidy programs to help with daycare costs for families in Rome, Indiana?
Yes, eligible families in Rome can apply for the Indiana Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program. This state-administered subsidy helps low-income working families, those in education/training programs, or families in certain protective services pay for childcare at participating licensed or registered providers. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care. You apply through your local county office of the Division of Family Resources. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly about financial assistance options.
How far in advance should I start looking for and securing a daycare spot in Rome, given its smaller community size?
Due to the limited number of licensed daycare options in a small town like Rome, it is crucial to start your search early—ideally 6 to 9 months before you need care, especially for an infant spot. Many reputable home-based providers and the limited centers have small capacities and can maintain waitlists for a year or more. We recommend contacting providers as soon as you know you will need care, getting on multiple waitlists, and following up periodically. Exploring options in nearby larger towns like Madison or Versailles may also be necessary if local waitlists are too long.
What are some key questions to ask when touring a potential daycare in a rural setting like Rome, Indiana?
Beyond standard questions about curriculum and safety, parents in Rome should ask location-specific questions. Inquire about their plan for severe weather common to Southeastern Indiana (tornadoes, winter storms), including shelter-in-place procedures and communication protocols. Ask about their policy on farm or animal exposure if the daycare is on a rural property. For home-based providers, clarify if they transport children for activities and verify their vehicle insurance and safety practices. Also, ask about their flexibility for parents who may have a longer commute to work in a neighboring city, including early drop-off or late pick-up options and associated fees.
Childcare Insights for Rome
Finding quality childcare with current openings can feel like a pressing mission for any parent. If you’re searching for “daycares with openings near me” in Rome, Indiana, you’re likely navigating that mix of hope and urgency that comes with securing a safe, nurturing spot for your child. The good news is that while Rome itself is a smaller community, you are situated in a region of Indiana with several accessible options, and a proactive, local approach will serve you well in your search.
Begin your search by thinking of Rome as your home base within a wider childcare network. Many families in the area find excellent care in the nearby towns of Peru, Logansport, and even Rochester, all within a reasonable commuting distance. When contacting providers, be specific about your needs: your child’s age, your required hours, and whether you prefer a home-based daycare or a larger center. A personal phone call is often more effective than an email, as it allows you to ask about immediate openings and get a genuine feel for the provider’s communication style. Be prepared to ask key questions about their daily schedule, educational philosophy, safety protocols, and staff qualifications.
Given the close-knit nature of communities like Rome, don’t underestimate the power of local connections. Talk to other parents at the Rome City United Methodist Church, the local park, or community events. Personal recommendations are invaluable and can lead you to wonderful home daycare providers who may not have a significant online presence but are cherished pillars of the community. Additionally, utilize the State of Indiana’s Family and Social Services Administration website. Their childcare finder tool is an essential resource, allowing you to search for licensed providers in and around Peru (the ZIP code for Rome) and verify their license status and any reported history.
When you find a potential opening, scheduling a visit is crucial. This is your chance to see the environment firsthand. Observe how the caregivers interact with the children—are they engaged and responsive? Is the space clean, safe, and stimulating? Trust your instincts as a parent; you know what feels right for your family. Also, consider the practicalities of the location. A daycare fifteen minutes away in Peru might be perfect, but factor in your daily commute to work, especially during Indiana’s winter weather, which can impact travel on roads like US-31 or State Road 19.
Finally, remember that securing a spot often requires prompt action. If you find a daycare with an opening that feels like the right fit, be ready to complete the enrollment paperwork and submit any deposits. The search for childcare in a rural area like Rome, Indiana, is a testament to your dedication as a parent. By combining online state resources, local word-of-mouth, and thoughtful in-person visits, you can find a welcoming place where your child will learn, play, and grow while you have peace of mind.