The Best Daycare Centers in Stanford, IN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Stanford. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Stanford
The Growing Patch Preschool & Childcare Center
Independent
The Growing Patch offers a comprehensive educational program focused on developmentally appropriate practices. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills through hands-on learning experiences. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and modern classrooms. Teachers maintain low student-teacher ratios and participate in ongoing professional development. The center provides nutritious meals and snacks through their in-house food program and maintains strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
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Little Blessings Child Care & Preschool
Independent
Little Blessings provides a nurturing Christian-based environment while implementing a structured academic curriculum. Their program focuses on school readiness with emphasis on phonics, early math concepts, and social-emotional development. The facility features secure monitoring systems, age-separated play areas, and well-equipped classrooms with learning centers. All staff are CPR/First Aid certified and participate in ongoing early childhood education training. The center offers flexible scheduling options and maintains an open-door policy for parent involvement and observation.
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Kid Kare Preschool & Childcare Center
Independent
Kid Kare operates with a play-based learning approach that incorporates structured academic components. Their curriculum is designed to meet Indiana Early Learning Foundations standards while encouraging creativity and exploration. The center features secure entry systems, regularly sanitized facilities, and outdoor learning environments. Teachers utilize developmental assessments to track progress and customize learning experiences. The center provides transportation for school-age children and offers enrichment activities including music, art, and physical education components.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Stanford, IN
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Stanford, Indiana, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Stanford and throughout 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, child care centers, and ministry-operated programs. 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. You can search by provider name or location to see their license status, any recent inspections, and any substantiated complaints. This is a crucial first step for parents in the Stanford area to ensure their chosen provider operates legally and safely under state regulations.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in the Stanford, IN area?
Childcare costs in Stanford and the surrounding rural Monroe County area are generally more affordable than in larger Indiana cities like Indianapolis or Bloomington, but prices vary by provider type. For a licensed child care center, you can expect to pay approximately **$150 to $225 per week** for full-time infant care. For toddlers, the cost may drop slightly to around **$130 to $200 per week**. In-home family daycare providers often charge less, typically ranging from **$110 to $175 per week**. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate (e.g., meals, snacks, curriculum). For financial assistance, Indiana offers the **Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program** for eligible families, which can be applied for through the local county office.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Stanford, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Given Stanford's smaller size and rural nature, the number of licensed daycare centers is limited. While large, multi-year waitlists are less common than in major metro areas, popular local providers and those with excellent reputations often have waitlists, especially for infant rooms which have stricter staff-to-child ratios. It is highly advisable to begin your search and make inquiries **at least 3-6 months before you need care**. When you contact a provider, ask directly about their current availability and waitlist policy. To improve your chances, consider getting on multiple waitlists (there may be a small fee) and be flexible with your start date. Also, explore licensed family child care homes in the area, as they may have more immediate openings and offer a smaller, home-like setting.
What local resources or organizations in Stanford or Monroe County can help me find and evaluate childcare options?
The primary local resource for parents in Stanford is the **Monroe County United Ministries (MCUM)**, which, while based in Bloomington, serves the broader county and can provide referrals and support. However, the most direct and comprehensive tool is the state's **Child Care Finder** website and hotline. For personalized referral assistance, you can contact **Child Care Answers**, a free referral service funded by the state that serves Central Indiana, including Monroe County. They can help you create a list of licensed providers matching your needs. Additionally, connecting with other parents through local community Facebook groups (e.g., "Stanford, Indiana Community") or at places like the Stanford Township Park can provide valuable word-of-mouth recommendations.
What are the typical operating hours for daycare providers in Stanford, and are there options for parents with non-traditional work schedules?
Most licensed daycare centers and home-based providers in Stanford operate on a fairly standard schedule, typically from around **6:30 or 7:00 AM to 5:30 or 6:00 PM**, Monday through Friday. These hours cater to traditional 9-5 work schedules. However, options for evenings, overnight, or weekend care are extremely limited in this small community. If you work non-traditional hours (e.g., in healthcare, manufacturing, or service industries), your best bet is to specifically seek out a licensed family child care home that may offer more flexible hours by individual arrangement. Be upfront about your schedule needs during initial inquiries. For true shift work, you may need to look at providers in larger nearby towns like Bloomington or consider arranging a nanny share with another local family.