The Best Daycare Centers in Saint Croix, IN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Saint Croix. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Saint Croix
KinderCare Learning Center
KinderCare Education
KinderCare in Evansville provides a comprehensive early childhood education program serving infants through school-age children. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development through play-based learning. All teachers hold early childhood education credentials and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The center features secure keypad entry, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. Parents praise the consistent communication through daily reports and the center's engaging learning environments with both indoor and outdoor play spaces. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms and serves nutritious meals meeting USDA guidelines.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Evansville offers a F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social development. Their play-based curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development. All teachers have degrees in early childhood education or related fields and participate in ongoing professional development. The center features secured entry systems, video monitoring in classrooms, and strict health protocols. Parents consistently highlight the school's clean facilities, experienced staff, and strong focus on preparing children for kindergarten. The program includes daily updates through a parent communication app and offers flexible scheduling options.
Daycare Services:
Perry County Head Start
Community Action Program of Evansville
Perry County Head Start provides high-quality early childhood education specifically designed for low-income families in the Saint Croix area. Their comprehensive program focuses on school readiness through literacy-rich environments, social skills development, and health services. Teachers all meet Head Start program standards with credentials in early childhood education. The center maintains excellent safety records with regular inspections and nutritional meal programs. Parents appreciate the family engagement opportunities and the program's focus on whole-child development. Services include developmental screenings, health check-ups, and family support resources, making it a valuable community-based option for Perry County residents.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Saint Croix, IN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Saint Croix, Indiana, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Indiana, all childcare 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. This includes centers, ministries, and home-based providers. Licensing ensures compliance with state standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and training. For parents in Saint Croix, you can verify a provider's license status and view any past violations using the state's online **Child Care Finder** tool. It's also recommended to visit the facility in person and ask to see their current license, which should be posted. Given Saint Croix's smaller, rural setting, many options might be licensed family childcare homes, which have specific regulations tailored to a home environment.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Saint Croix, IN, and are there financial assistance programs available?
In the Saint Croix area and surrounding rural counties in Indiana, daycare costs are generally lower than in major metropolitan areas but can still be a significant expense. For full-time care, parents can expect to pay approximately **$120 to $180 per week** for a toddler in a family childcare home, and slightly more, around **$140 to $220 per week**, for an infant due to lower staff-to-child ratios. Center-based care may be at the higher end of that range. Financial assistance is available through Indiana's **Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program**, which is income-based. Eligibility is determined by the local County Office of Family Resources. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts, which can be particularly helpful for families in a smaller community like Saint Croix.
How common are waitlists for daycare in Saint Croix, and when should I start looking for care before I need it?
Due to the limited number of providers in a smaller community like Saint Croix, waitlists for infant and toddler spots, especially at highly recommended centers or homes, can be common and sometimes lengthy. It is strongly advised to begin your search **at least 6 to 9 months** before your anticipated start date. For infant care, starting your search during pregnancy is wise. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist length, the deposit required to hold a spot (if any), and how often they update families on their position. Exploring options in nearby towns like Madison or Versailles may provide alternatives if local waitlists are prohibitive.
What types of childcare settings are most available in Saint Croix, and what are the pros and cons of each for a rural community?
Saint Croix primarily offers two types of licensed childcare settings: 1. **Licensed Family Childcare Homes:** These are small, home-based operations (caring for up to 12 children). They are the most common in rural areas. Pros include a home-like environment, mixed-age groups (like a family), often more flexible hours, and potentially lower cost. Cons may include less structured curriculum and vulnerability to closure if the provider is sick or on vacation. 2. **Childcare Centers:** These are less common in very small towns but may be found in nearby larger communities. They offer a more structured educational environment, multiple staff, and often more robust facilities. The con for Saint Croix residents is the potential for a longer commute. Unlicensed "registered ministries" are also an option in Indiana but have different regulatory standards. Parents should carefully evaluate which setting best fits their child's needs and their logistical requirements.
Are there any unique local resources or networks in Saint Croix to help parents find and evaluate childcare options?
Yes, while Saint Croix itself is small, parents can tap into county and regional resources. A key starting point is the **Southeastern Indiana Economic Opportunity Corporation (SIECO)**, which serves the region and can provide referrals and information on CCDF vouchers. Connecting with other parents through local community groups, the Saint Croix Township Facebook page, or at places like the Switzerland County Public Library can yield personal recommendations, which are invaluable in a tight-knit community. Additionally, the **Indiana Association for Child Care Resource and Referral (IACCRR)** website and hotline can direct you to your local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency, which covers Switzerland County and can provide free, personalized searches and quality information.