The Best Daycare Centers in Sharpsville, IN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Sharpsville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Sharpsville
The Goddard School of Kokomo
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Kokomo offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, arts, and social-emotional development with low student-teacher ratios. Facilities include secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. All teachers are professionally trained with ongoing professional development. The school emphasizes parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences, serving families throughout Howard County including Sharpsville residents.
Daycare Services:
KinderCare at Boulevard
KinderCare Learning Companies
This KinderCare location provides comprehensive early childhood education with research-based curriculum that includes phonics, math, science, and social studies. The center features secure keypad entry, dedicated age-specific learning centers, and nutritious meal programs. Their team includes early childhood professionals with CPR and first aid certification. The program emphasizes kindergarten readiness with structured learning activities and regular developmental assessments. Conveniently located near major routes, it serves families from Sharpsville and surrounding communities with flexible scheduling options.
Daycare Services:
Tipton County Early Learning Center
Tipton Community School Corporation
Operated by Tipton Community School Corporation, this state-licensed early learning center offers high-quality childcare with a strong educational foundation. The curriculum aligns with Indiana Early Learning Foundations and focuses on school readiness through hands-on learning experiences. The facility includes modern classrooms, secure environments, and developmentally appropriate learning materials. Staff includes licensed early childhood educators and specialists who provide individualized attention. The center serves families throughout Tipton County and accepts CCDF vouchers, making it accessible to Sharpsville area residents seeking quality early education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Sharpsville, IN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Sharpsville, Indiana, and how can I verify a facility's status?
In Sharpsville and all of Indiana, childcare providers must be licensed by the state's Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning. This includes family child care homes, childcare centers, and ministries. Licensing ensures providers meet standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, and staff background checks. To verify a specific provider's license status, complaint history, or inspection reports, you can use the state's online "Child Care Finder" tool on the FSSA website. It's highly recommended to cross-reference this official state data with local recommendations, as Sharpsville is a smaller community where word-of-mouth is valuable.
What is the typical cost range for full-time daycare or preschool in Sharpsville, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Sharpsville area, costs can vary based on the child's age and the type of program. For an infant at a licensed childcare center, you might expect to pay between $150 to $200 per week. For toddlers and preschoolers, costs may range from $120 to $170 per week. Home-based daycare is often slightly less expensive. Financial assistance is primarily available through the state's Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program, which is income-based. You apply through the local county office of the FSSA in Tipton County. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
Are there many options for infant childcare in Sharpsville, and are waitlists common?
As a smaller town, Sharpsville itself has a limited number of dedicated childcare providers. Options typically include a few licensed family home daycares and possibly a center-based program. For infant care specifically, spots are often very limited due to stricter staff-to-child ratios (1:4 for infants in Indiana). It is very common for providers in and around Sharpsville to have waitlists, especially for infants. Parents are strongly advised to begin their search during pregnancy and get on multiple lists. Many families also look at providers in nearby larger towns like Tipton or Kokomo, which may offer more options but could involve a commute.
What should I look for when touring a daycare facility in a small town like Sharpsville?
Beyond checking state licensing, touring a facility in a close-knit community like Sharpsville offers unique insights. First, observe the cleanliness and safety of the physical space, including secure outdoor play areas. Ask about the daily schedule, curriculum (even for young toddlers), and staff qualifications and tenure—low turnover is a good sign in a small community. Notice how the caregivers interact with the children; it should be warm and engaged. Crucially, ask for references from other local parents. In a small town, a provider's reputation is paramount. Also, inquire about their policies for communication, illness, and emergency procedures, especially given the proximity to local resources.
Are there part-time, drop-in, or after-school care options available for school-age children in Sharpsville?
Traditional part-time or drop-in daycare options are very limited in Sharpsville due to the small market and provider capacity. Most licensed home-based daycares and centers require set schedules. For school-age children, the primary local option is often the before- and after-school program potentially offered through the **Eastern Howard School Corporation** (which serves Sharpsville students). These programs are typically housed at the school and operate on the school calendar. For care during school breaks or summer, some local providers may offer "school's out" camps, or families may need to explore programs in Tipton or Kokomo. Planning ahead for school-age care is essential.