The Best Daycare Centers in Straughn, IN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Straughn. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Straughn
The Children's Place Learning Center
Independent
The Children's Place Learning Center is a highly-regarded facility located approximately 15 minutes from Straughn. They offer a comprehensive educational program based on Creative Curriculum with a strong emphasis on early literacy and social-emotional development. The center features state-certified teachers with degrees in early childhood education, low student-to-teacher ratios, and secure facility access with surveillance systems. Their program includes age-appropriate learning centers, outdoor playgrounds, and nutritional meal programs. Parents consistently praise the caring staff, clean environment, and excellent communication about child development progress.
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Kid's World Learning Center
Independent
Kid's World Learning Center serves the Straughn area with a play-based learning approach that incorporates STEM activities and literacy development. The center maintains high safety standards with keypad entry systems, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. Their qualified teaching staff includes CPR and First Aid certified caregivers with specialized training in early childhood development. The facility features modern classrooms, age-specific playgrounds, and a structured daily schedule that balances learning activities with creative play. Parents highlight the center's engaging curriculum and the staff's genuine care for each child's individual needs.
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Creative Kids Academy
Independent
Located in nearby Knightstown (approximately 10 minutes from Straughn), Creative Kids Academy provides a nurturing environment with a curriculum focused on hands-on learning and developmental milestones. The center emphasizes character development and school readiness through structured activities and free play. Safety features include secure entry systems, regular sanitation protocols, and staff trained in emergency procedures. Their experienced teachers create individualized learning plans and maintain detailed progress reports. The facility includes dedicated infant rooms, spacious classrooms for older children, and outdoor play areas. Families appreciate the warm, family-like atmosphere and the center's commitment to each child's social and academic growth.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Straughn, IN
What types of licensed childcare options are available in and around Straughn, Indiana?
In Straughn and the surrounding Henry County area, parents typically have access to a few types of licensed childcare. These include licensed home-based daycare providers, which are common in smaller communities, and larger licensed childcare centers, which are more likely to be found in nearby cities like New Castle or Knightstown. Due to Straughn's small size, many providers operate as licensed family childcare homes, caring for a smaller number of children in a residential setting. The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) oversees licensing, and you can use their "Child Care Finder" tool online to search for licensed options by zip code (47387). It's also common for local churches to offer preschool or Mother's Day Out programs, which may be licensed or legally exempt.
What is the average cost for full-time daycare in Straughn, and are there any financial assistance programs for local families?
In Straughn and rural Henry County, full-time daycare costs are generally lower than state averages but can vary. For an infant in a licensed family home, you might expect to pay between $120-$160 per week. For toddlers and preschoolers, rates often range from $100-$140 per week. Center-based care in nearby towns will typically be higher. Indiana offers financial assistance through the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program for eligible families. Eligibility is based on income, work/training status, and family size. You can apply through the Henry County Division of Family Resources office in New Castle. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts.
How long are waitlists for daycare in Straughn, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to the limited number of providers in a small town like Straughn, waitlists can be significant, especially for infant care slots which have stricter staff-to-child ratios. It is not uncommon for popular licensed home providers or the nearest centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months. We strongly recommend beginning your search as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or at least 4-6 months before you need care. Be proactive: contact multiple providers, ask to be placed on their waitlist, and check in periodically. Networking through local community Facebook groups (e.g., "Straughn, IN Community") or asking for referrals from other parents can also help you find providers who may have upcoming openings.
What are the state licensing requirements for daycare providers in Indiana that I should verify for my child's safety?
All licensed childcare providers in Indiana, including those in Straughn, must meet specific standards set by the state's FSSA. Key requirements parents should verify include: comprehensive background checks (including fingerprinting) for all staff and household members in a home daycare, annual health and safety training, up-to-date immunizations for providers and children, safe sleep practices for infants, and compliance with staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:5 for toddlers). Licensed providers are also subject to unannounced annual inspections. You can view a provider's licensing history, including any non-compliance reports, on the FSSA Child Care Finder website. Always ask to see a provider's current license.
Are there part-time, drop-in, or after-school care options for school-age children in Straughn?
Options for part-time or school-age care in Straughn itself are very limited. The town is served by the Blue River Valley School Corporation, which may offer limited after-school programs at the elementary school. For more flexible drop-in or part-time care, parents often need to look to providers in nearby New Castle. Some licensed family homes may offer after-school care, including transportation from the local school, but this is not guaranteed and spaces are limited. For occasional drop-in care, your best bet is to network with other parents for babysitting swaps or inquire if any licensed home providers in the area accept occasional care, though most prioritize full-time clients. Planning ahead is essential.