The Best Daycare Centers in Underwood, IN
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Underwood. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Underwood
The Goddard School of Sellersburg
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Sellersburg offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic readiness, social development, and creative expression. Their state-licensed teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and modern classrooms with interactive technology. They emphasize STEM learning, literacy development, and character education while maintaining low student-to-teacher ratios. The center provides nutritious meals and offers enrichment programs including yoga, music, and foreign language exposure.
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Kiddie Academy of Jeffersonville
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Jeffersonville provides comprehensive educational childcare through their Life Essentials® curriculum that balances academic preparation with character development. The center features secure electronic entry, camera monitoring systems, and rigorous safety protocols. Their degreed teachers implement developmentally appropriate practices with focus on literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills. The facility includes dedicated infant rooms, spacious preschool classrooms, and outdoor learning environments. They offer technology-integrated learning, health and fitness programs, and community involvement activities. Parent communication includes daily digital reports and regular conferences.
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Bright Horizons at Clark Memorial Hospital
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Clark Memorial Hospital offers high-quality early education with their World at Their Fingers® curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning and developmental milestones. The center serves both hospital employees and community families with flexible scheduling options. Their credentialed teachers implement emergent curriculum approaches with focus on language development, cognitive skills, and social-emotional growth. The facility maintains enhanced health and safety protocols including strict sanitation procedures and health screening. Features include natural playgrounds, literacy-rich classrooms, and art studios. They provide organic meals and emphasize environmental education and sustainability practices.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Underwood, IN
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Underwood, Indiana?
In Underwood and the surrounding Clark County area, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of provider. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $150 to $225 per week for an infant or toddler. In-home licensed family childcare homes are often slightly less, typically ranging from $120 to $180 per week. These rates are generally lower than in larger Indiana cities like Indianapolis but are consistent with the Southern Indiana region. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials. Additionally, Indiana offers the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program for income-eligible families, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Underwood is properly licensed and check their inspection history?
All licensed childcare providers in Underwood, Indiana, are 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 detailed compliance history online through the state's **Child Care Finder** website. Simply search by the provider's name, city, or zip code (Underwood uses 47177). This public portal shows the license status, capacity, any substantiated complaints, and results of unannounced inspections, including rule violations. Always choose a provider that is either licensed or legally license-exempt (like certain ministry-based programs), as this ensures basic health, safety, and training standards are met.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Underwood, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to Underwood's smaller, more rural community setting, there are fewer large daycare centers compared to urban areas, which can sometimes lead to limited immediate openings, especially for infants. It is highly recommended to begin your search at least 3-6 months before you need care. Many popular in-home providers and the nearest centers in nearby towns like Sellersburg or Jeffersonville may also have waitlists. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current availability and waitlist policy, including any deposit required to hold a spot. Being flexible with your start date can improve your chances of securing a spot sooner.
What are the main options for childcare in Underwood, given it's a smaller community?
Parents in Underwood primarily have three types of childcare options. First, there are licensed **family childcare homes** operated within a provider's residence; these are common in residential areas and often offer a home-like setting with mixed-age groups. Second, some parents utilize **licensed daycare centers** located in nearby communities such as Sellersburg, just a short drive away. Third, there are **legally license-exempt providers**, such as certain church-affiliated preschools or nursery programs. For school-age children, the West Clark Community Schools district may offer before and after-school care programs at local elementary schools. Networking through local community Facebook groups or the Underwood Volunteer Fire Department community board can also help discover smaller, reputable in-home providers.
What state-required training and safety standards should I expect daycare providers in Indiana to follow?
Indiana has specific mandatory requirements for all licensed childcare providers. Staff must pass comprehensive background checks, including a national fingerprint-based criminal history check. Lead caregivers must have current certification in CPR, First Aid, and Universal Precautions. All staff are required to complete a minimum of 12 hours of annual training in topics like child development, health, and safety. For safety, providers must adhere to strict child-to-staff ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:5 for toddlers), have safe sleep policies for infants (placing them on their backs in a crib), and maintain detailed emergency and evacuation plans. In Underwood, providers should also be prepared for weather-related emergencies common to the region. Don't hesitate to ask any provider for documentation of these trainings and their compliance during your tour.