The Best Daycare Centers in Somerville, IN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Somerville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Somerville
Little Blessings Childcare & Learning Center
Independent
Little Blessings provides comprehensive early childhood education with a Christian-based curriculum that emphasizes both academic and social development. Their highly qualified staff includes certified early childhood educators who implement Creative Curriculum with hands-on learning activities. The center features secure, age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor play areas, and nutritional meal programs. They maintain excellent teacher-to-child ratios and focus on kindergarten readiness through structured learning centers, literacy programs, and developmental assessments. Safety protocols include secure entry systems and comprehensive background checks for all staff.
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Crawfordsville Montessori School
Independent
Crawfordsville Montessori School offers authentic Montessori education with AMI-trained teachers and carefully prepared environments that encourage independence and natural development. The school serves children from infancy through elementary years with mixed-age classrooms that promote peer learning. Their curriculum includes practical life skills, sensorial development, language arts, mathematics, and cultural studies. The facility features beautiful outdoor learning spaces, organic gardens, and natural materials throughout. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, individualized learning approach, and strong community atmosphere.
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Discovery Preschool & Childcare
Independent
Discovery Preschool & Childcare provides a play-based learning environment that balances structured curriculum with child-directed exploration. Their experienced teaching staff holds degrees in early childhood education and implements developmentally appropriate practices across all age groups. The center features modern security systems, including keypad entry and surveillance cameras, along with comprehensive safety protocols. Their curriculum includes STEM activities, literacy development, creative arts, and physical education. The facility offers spacious indoor play areas, age-appropriate outdoor playgrounds, and nutritious meal programs prepared on-site.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Somerville, IN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Somerville, Indiana?
In Somerville and the surrounding Ripley County area, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of provider. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay approximately $130 to $170 per week for an infant or toddler. In-home licensed family childcare homes may range from $100 to $140 per week. These rates are generally lower than in larger Indiana metropolitan areas but have increased in recent years. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials. For financial assistance, Indiana's Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program is available to eligible families, and local providers can guide you through the application process.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Somerville is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All licensed childcare providers in Indiana are regulated by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), specifically the Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning. You can verify a provider's license and view their detailed compliance history, including any past violations, by using the official "Child Care Finder" online tool on the FSSA website. Simply search by the provider's name or location (Somerville, IN 47683). This report will show their license status, capacity, and results of unannounced inspections. For very small, legally license-exempt providers (caring for only the children of one unrelated family), you should request references and conduct a thorough interview and background check yourself.
Are there any daycare centers or preschools in Somerville that offer part-time or drop-in care options?
Due to Somerville's smaller, rural community size, most dedicated daycare centers and in-home providers primarily offer full-time schedules to maintain stable enrollment and staffing. Part-time care (e.g., 2-3 days a week) is less common and often has a waiting list. Traditional drop-in care is extremely rare. Your best bet for flexible care is to network with other local parents or inquire with licensed family childcare homes, as some may accommodate part-time schedules if space allows. For preschool-specific programs, you may find more structured part-time options (like half-days) through local churches or the nearby South Ripley Elementary School district's pre-K program, though these are often not full-day care solutions.
What is the average waitlist time for infant care at daycare facilities in the Somerville area, and how should I plan ahead?
Infant care (for children under 12-18 months) typically has the longest waitlists due to stricter staff-to-child ratios. In Somerville, waitlists can range from 3 to 9 months, depending on the provider's capacity and reputation. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents begin contacting and touring providers early in the second trimester of pregnancy to secure a spot. When you tour, ask specific questions: your position on the list, if a deposit is required to hold a spot, and how often the list is updated. Given the limited number of providers, also consider expanding your search to nearby towns like Osgood or Versailles to increase your options.
What are the key local resources for finding and evaluating childcare options in and around Somerville, Indiana?
The primary resource is **Pathways to Quality**, Indiana's voluntary quality rating and improvement system for childcare. You can search for rated providers in the 47683 zip code to see which have achieved Level 1-4 ratings. Additionally, the **Ripley County Community Foundation** or the **Ripley County Chamber of Commerce** may have listings of local businesses, including childcare. For direct referrals and support, you can contact the **Southeast Indiana Economic Opportunity Corporation**, which administers the CCDF voucher program in the region. Finally, don't underestimate local networks: Facebook groups for Ripley County parents and word-of-mouth recommendations are invaluable in a close-knit community like Somerville.