The Best Daycare Centers in Rome City, IN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Rome City. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Rome City
Little Blessings Childcare & Learning Center
Independent
Little Blessings is a highly-regarded Christian-based childcare center serving the Rome City and Kendallville areas. They offer a comprehensive educational program with age-appropriate curriculum including Creative Curriculum for infants through preschool. The center features low teacher-to-child ratios, state-certified staff with ongoing professional development, and secure facilities with keypad entry systems. Their program includes nutritious meals, outdoor play areas, and structured learning activities that focus on social, emotional, and academic development. Parents consistently praise the caring staff, clean environment, and excellent communication.
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Growing Kids Learning Center - Kendallville
Growing Kids Learning Centers
Growing Kids Kendallville is part of a respected regional chain serving Northeast Indiana communities including Rome City. They implement a research-based curriculum focusing on early literacy, STEM concepts, and social development. The center features secure facilities with surveillance systems, certified early childhood educators, and developmentally appropriate learning environments. Their program includes technology integration for older children, structured play-based learning, and comprehensive safety protocols. The center is known for its engaging classroom environments, experienced teaching staff, and strong parent partnership approach.
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Creative Beginnings Child Care & Learning Center
Independent
Creative Beginnings serves families throughout Noble County including Rome City with a focus on individualized child development. Their curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through centers, outdoor exploration, and structured academic preparation. The center features qualified early childhood educators, secure facilities with monitored access, and age-appropriate learning materials. They offer flexible scheduling options and maintain small class sizes to ensure personalized attention. Parents appreciate the center's commitment to communication, development tracking, and creating a nurturing home-like environment that supports each child's unique needs and learning style.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Rome City, IN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Rome City, Indiana, and how can I verify a facility is in good standing?
In Rome City and all of Indiana, childcare providers must be licensed by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning. This includes family child care homes (serving up to 12 children) and child care centers. Licensing ensures providers meet standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and training. To verify a provider's license and compliance history, you can use the state's online **Child Care Finder** tool. This resource shows the license status, any recent violations, and the facility's quality rating through Indiana's Paths to QUALITY™ system. It's the most reliable way for Rome City parents to check a provider's official standing.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in the Rome City area?
In the Rome City region (including surrounding areas like Kendallville and Ligonier), costs can vary based on the type of care and the provider's Paths to QUALITY™ level. On average, parents can expect to pay between **$130 to $180 per week** for a toddler in a licensed family child care home. For a center-based infant program, weekly rates are typically higher, ranging from **$160 to $220 per week**. These rates are generally lower than in major Indiana metros like Fort Wayne or Indianapolis. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly fee (e.g., meals, diapers, curriculum). Financial assistance may be available through the state's Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program for eligible families.
Are there many daycare options with immediate openings in Rome City, or should I expect to join a waitlist?
Given Rome City's smaller, rural community size, the number of licensed providers is limited compared to larger cities. It is very common for the most sought-after centers and highly-rated family homes to have waitlists, especially for infant care. Parents are strongly advised to begin their search **at least 3-6 months** before they need care. To find current openings, contact providers directly, check the Child Care Finder website for "Openings Available" status, and network with other local parents through community groups or social media. Being flexible on start dates and considering providers in nearby towns like Avilla or Kendallville can increase your chances of finding an opening sooner.
What local resources or programs in Rome City can help me find and evaluate quality childcare?
Rome City parents have a key local resource in the **Early Childhood Alliance**, which serves Northeast Indiana, including Noble County. They offer free, personalized **child care referral services** to help you find licensed options that match your family's needs. Additionally, all Indiana providers are rated on the state's voluntary **Paths to QUALITY™** quality rating and improvement system (Level 1-4). Looking for a Level 3 or 4 provider in your search indicates a program that meets higher standards for learning environment and curriculum. You can also contact the **Noble County Purdue Extension Office** for parenting resources and early childhood information.
What are the typical operating hours for daycare centers in Rome City, and is there any after-school care for older children?
Most licensed child care centers in Rome City operate on a schedule that accommodates standard working hours, typically from around **6:30 AM to 5:30 or 6:00 PM**, Monday through Friday. For school-age children, after-school care options are more limited within Rome City itself due to its size. Some family child care homes may offer after-school pick-up from local elementary schools. Parents often need to look to before-and-after school programs offered by the **East Noble School Corporation** in Kendallville or explore in-home providers who offer transportation. It's crucial to confirm specific hours, holiday closures, and late pick-up policies directly with any provider you are considering.