The Best Daycare Centers in Shelby, IN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Shelby. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Shelby
Shelby Early Learning Center
Shelby Early Learning Center
Shelby Early Learning Center is a highly-regarded local facility offering comprehensive childcare services from infancy through school age. The center features a research-based curriculum that emphasizes early literacy, math readiness, and social-emotional development. Their qualified teaching staff maintains low child-to-teacher ratios and participates in ongoing professional development. The facility includes secure indoor learning environments with age-appropriate classrooms, a commercial kitchen providing nutritious meals, and safe outdoor play areas. What makes this center stand out is their strong community focus, regular parent communication through digital platforms, and their commitment to preparing children for kindergarten success through structured learning activities and play-based exploration.
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LaPorte County Head Start
Community Action of Southern Indiana
Serving families throughout LaPorte County including Shelby, LaPorte County Head Start provides high-quality early childhood education with comprehensive family support services. The program utilizes the Creative Curriculum system combined with individualized learning plans to support each child's developmental needs. Their highly qualified teaching staff includes certified early childhood educators and specialists in special needs education. The center features modern classrooms, dedicated play areas, and comprehensive health and nutrition services. What distinguishes this program is their holistic approach that includes family engagement, health screenings, dental services, and parent education workshops, all at no cost to qualifying families.
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Discovery Kidzone Learning Center
Discovery Kidzone
Discovery Kidzone Learning Center serves families throughout the region with a comprehensive educational childcare program. Their curriculum blends Montessori-inspired learning with structured academic preparation, focusing on literacy, STEM exploration, and creative arts. The center employs experienced early childhood educators with bachelor's degrees and specialized training in child development. Facilities include secure, technology-enhanced classrooms, multiple outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups, and dedicated spaces for art, music, and physical activities. The center stands out for their emphasis on hands-on learning experiences, regular progress assessments, and their innovative "Explorer's Club" program that introduces children to science, nature, and cultural awareness through interactive projects.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Shelby, IN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Shelby, Indiana, and how can I verify a facility is in good standing?
In Indiana, all child care ministries, centers, and family child care homes must be licensed by the state's Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA). The licensing process involves background checks for all staff, health and safety training, facility inspections for fire, sanitation, and building safety, and adherence to staff-to-child ratios based on age. For parents in Shelby, you can verify a provider's license and view their compliance history, including any past violations, through the FSSA's online Child Care Finder portal. It's also recommended to contact the local Shelby licensing consultant or the Shelby County Health Department for additional local oversight information.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Shelby, Indiana?
The cost of childcare in Shelby, IN, is generally more affordable than in larger Indiana cities like Indianapolis or Fort Wayne, but it varies by provider type. For a licensed child care center, full-time infant care typically ranges from $150 to $225 per week. For a licensed family home daycare, the weekly rate is often between $120 and $180. Preschool programs for 3-5 year-olds may be slightly less. It's important to ask what is included in the tuition (e.g., meals, diapers, curriculum). For financial assistance, Shelby County residents can apply for Indiana's Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher through the local FSSA office if they meet income eligibility requirements.
Are there many daycare options with immediate openings in Shelby, or should I expect to join a waitlist?
Due to Shelby's smaller, more rural community, the number of licensed daycare facilities is limited compared to urban areas. It is very common for the most sought-after centers and highly-regarded home providers to have waitlists, especially for infant care, which can be several months long. Parents are strongly advised to begin their search and make contact with providers as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy. To find current availability, you should call providers directly, as online listings may not be updated in real-time. Exploring options in nearby towns like Shelbyville or Morristown may also be necessary if local waitlists are too long.
What local resources or organizations in Shelby County can help me find and evaluate childcare?
A key local resource is **Choices Coordinated Care Solutions**, which is the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR) agency serving Shelby County. They maintain a database of licensed providers, offer personalized referrals, and can provide guidance on quality indicators and financial assistance programs. You can contact them by phone or through their website. Additionally, the **Shelby County Chamber of Commerce** may have listings for local businesses, including daycare centers. For hands-on evaluation, nothing replaces visiting a facility, checking references from other Shelby parents, and using the state's online inspection reports.
Do any daycare centers or preschools in Shelby offer unique programs aligned with local community or agricultural themes?
Yes, some childcare providers in the Shelby area incorporate themes reflective of the local agricultural and close-knit community culture. You may find centers that include garden projects where children plant and harvest vegetables, or programs that take field trips to local farms, orchards, or the Shelby County Fairgrounds. Some in-home providers may offer a more family-style, home-based environment that emphasizes outdoor play and nature exploration, which is abundant in the surrounding rural landscape. When touring facilities, ask about their curriculum and how they incorporate the local community; this can be a sign of a program deeply connected to the values and environment of Shelby, Indiana.