The Best Daycare Centers in Tell City, IN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Tell City. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Tell City
Tell City Head Start
Community Action Program of Evansville
Tell City Head Start provides comprehensive early childhood education focused on school readiness for low-income families. The program emphasizes literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional development through play-based learning. Staff includes qualified teachers with early childhood credentials, and the center maintains low student-teacher ratios. Services include health screenings, nutritious meals, and family engagement programs. The facility features age-appropriate classrooms and outdoor play areas, with strong emphasis on parent involvement and community partnerships.
Daycare Services:
KinderCare Learning Center
KinderCare Education
This Evansville location serves the Tell City area with a research-based curriculum that includes phonics, math, and science activities. The center features secure entry systems, certified teachers with early childhood degrees, and regular safety drills. Classrooms are designed with learning centers for hands-on exploration, and the facility includes both indoor and outdoor play spaces. The program emphasizes social development and kindergarten readiness, with daily communication apps for parents and nutritious meal options included.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Evansville offers a play-based learning approach with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic, social, and emotional development. Features include state-approved curricula, low child-to-teacher ratios, and highly qualified educators with ongoing training. The facility includes secure classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and technology-enhanced learning spaces. The school emphasizes STEAM learning, character development, and parent communication through daily activity reports and regular conferences.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Tell City, IN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Tell City, Indiana?
In Tell City, the cost of full-time childcare varies based on the child's age and the type of facility. For infants and toddlers, you can expect to pay between $120 to $160 per week at licensed home daycares and $140 to $190 per week at larger childcare centers. Preschool programs for 3-5-year-olds often range from $110 to $150 per week. These rates are generally lower than the state average, reflecting Tell City's cost of living. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly fee, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials. Some providers may offer sibling discounts. For financial assistance, Indiana's Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program is available to eligible families through the Perry County Department of Child Services.
How can I verify that a daycare in Tell City is properly licensed and check its compliance history?
All licensed childcare providers in Tell City must be regulated by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning. You can verify a provider's license and view their official compliance history, including any cited violations, by using the state's online "Child Care Finder" tool. Simply search by the provider's name or location. Additionally, you can contact the local licensing consultant for Region 15, which includes Perry County, for specific questions. It's highly recommended to visit any potential daycare in person, ask to see their current license, and inquire about their staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications, and emergency procedures to ensure they meet Indiana's standards.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Tell City, and when should I start looking for a spot?
Due to the limited number of larger childcare centers in Tell City, it is common for popular providers, especially those offering infant care, to have waitlists. It is advisable to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally 6 to 12 months before you need care, particularly for an infant. Many local in-home providers may have more immediate openings but still operate at full capacity. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist length and process. Being flexible with your start date can sometimes help secure a spot sooner. Exploring multiple options, including licensed family childcare homes in addition to centers, is a practical strategy in Tell City.
What types of childcare options are available in Tell City beyond traditional daycare centers?
Tell City offers a variety of childcare options to fit different family needs. These include: 1. **Licensed Childcare Centers**: Such as those affiliated with local churches or community organizations, offering structured programs. 2. **Licensed Family Childcare Homes**: Smaller, home-based settings often providing a more intimate environment, which are common in residential areas of Tell City. 3. **Preschool Programs**: Often part-day options offered by schools, churches, or community centers like the Tell City Perry County Public Library's early learning programs. 4. **Before/After-School Care**: Provided by the Tell City-Troy Township School Corporation for school-age children. 5. **Nanny or In-Home Care**: Less formal but can be arranged privately; ensure you verify references and consider employment tax obligations.
What local resources in Tell City can help me find and evaluate childcare providers?
Several local resources can assist parents in Tell City: * **Perry County Community Foundation & United Way of Perry County**: These organizations often have information on community services and may support early childhood initiatives. * **Tell City Perry County Public Library**: A great resource for finding information on local preschool programs and early literacy events. * **Tell City-Troy Township School Corporation**: Can provide referrals for before/after-school care and may have lists of local preschools. * **Local Pediatricians' Offices**: Often have bulletin boards or recommendations for trusted childcare providers. * **Word of Mouth & Community Groups**: Asking other parents in local Facebook groups (e.g., "Tell City Chat") or at community events like the Schweizer Fest can yield personal recommendations and insights into provider reputations. Always complement these resources with your own visits and the state's official licensing checks.
Childcare Insights for Tell City
Finding the right childcare is one of the most important decisions a family makes, and for parents in Tell City, Indiana, the search for a nurturing and reliable private daycare can feel both hopeful and overwhelming. You’re not just looking for a "daycare near me"; you’re seeking a safe, engaging, and trustworthy extension of your own home for your child. The good news is that Tell City and its surrounding Perry County offer several private childcare options, each with its own unique approach to early learning and development.
When beginning your search in our community, it’s wise to start with local recommendations. Conversations with other parents at the park, your workplace, or community events like the Tell City Schweizer Fest can yield invaluable, honest insights. Many private daycares here are smaller, home-based programs, which can offer a wonderful, family-like atmosphere with flexible hours that sometimes accommodate the shifts common at local industries. There are also dedicated childcare centers that provide a more structured preschool curriculum, preparing children for their future at Tell City-Troy Township Schools. A key local consideration is transportation and proximity; given our scenic but sometimes spread-out area, finding a provider with a convenient location along main routes like 7th Street or 66 can significantly simplify your daily routine.
Once you have a few names, the next step is to schedule visits. This is crucial. When you tour, look beyond the toys and observe the interactions. Do the caregivers get down on the children’s level? Is the environment cheerful, clean, and secure? Ask about their daily schedule, how they handle discipline, and their policies on sick children. Inquire about outdoor play—children thrive with fresh air, and a safe, enclosed outdoor space is a major asset. Don’t hesitate to ask for references from current parents; a reputable provider in Tell City will be happy to share them.
It’s also essential to verify that any private daycare you are seriously considering is licensed and in good standing with the State of Indiana. You can check this through the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration’s website. This ensures they meet health, safety, and staff-to-child ratio standards. Finally, trust your instincts. You know your child best. The right place will feel welcoming, and the staff will communicate openly and warmly, making you feel like a partner in your child’s care. Finding that perfect fit in our close-knit city provides immense peace of mind, allowing you to work or manage your day knowing your little one is in capable and caring hands right here in Tell City.