The Best Daycare Centers in Redfield, IA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Redfield. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Redfield
The Learning Tree Academy
The Learning Tree Academy
The Learning Tree Academy is a highly-regarded childcare center located just 15 minutes from Redfield in Adel. They offer a comprehensive educational program with a play-based learning approach that incorporates STEM activities, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. Their curriculum is designed by certified early childhood educators and includes daily progress tracking. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and modern classrooms with natural lighting. Teachers maintain low child-to-staff ratios and participate in ongoing professional development. The center provides nutritious meals and snacks through their USDA-approved food program and emphasizes outdoor learning experiences in their spacious play areas.
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Bright Horizons at Waukee
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Waukee is a nationally recognized childcare provider located approximately 20 minutes from Redfield. They implement the World at Their Fingers curriculum, which focuses on emergent learning through hands-on exploration and project-based activities. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry and comprehensive monitoring. Classrooms are organized into learning centers that encourage independent exploration, with certified teachers who hold degrees in early childhood education. The facility includes dedicated art studios, music rooms, and age-segregated outdoor play spaces with natural elements. Parents receive regular updates through the Bright Horizons mobile app with photos and developmental milestones.
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The Goddard School of Waukee
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Waukee offers a premier early childhood education program approximately 18 minutes from Redfield. Their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) balances academic preparation with social development and creative expression. The school features purpose-built classrooms with advanced air filtration systems, secured perimeter access, and comprehensive safety protocols. All lead teachers hold four-year degrees in education or related fields and participate in continuous professional development. The curriculum includes foreign language exposure, yoga, music instruction, and technology integration appropriate for each age group. The facility includes multiple playgrounds with safety surfaces, indoor gymnasiums for active play during inclement weather, and dedicated spaces for STEAM activities and literacy development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Redfield, IA
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available for families in Redfield, Iowa?
In Redfield and the surrounding Dallas County area, you'll primarily find two types of licensed childcare: Child Development Homes (in-home providers) and Licensed Childcare Centers. Redfield is a smaller community, so most local options are likely to be registered or licensed home-based providers, which offer a smaller, family-like setting. For larger centers, parents often look in nearby towns like Adel or Waukee. All providers must be licensed or registered through the Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS), which ensures they meet health, safety, and developmental standards. You can search for all licensed options in the area using the Iowa DHS Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) website or by contacting 1-855-244-5301.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Redfield, and are there any financial assistance programs?
While costs can vary by provider, in Dallas County, full-time care for an infant typically ranges from $160 to $220 per week for a home-based setting. Toddler care may be slightly less. Given Redfield's size, there are fewer providers, which can sometimes keep prices competitive, but availability is the bigger challenge. For financial assistance, Iowa offers the Child Care Assistance (CCA) program for eligible families based on income, work, or education requirements. You apply through the Iowa DHS. Additionally, many families utilize the federal Dependent Care FSA through their employer to pay for care with pre-tax dollars. It's always recommended to ask individual providers if they accept CCA payments.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare in Redfield, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to limited providers in Redfield itself, waitlists can be significant, often several months to a year for infants, especially. It is highly recommended to begin your search during pregnancy or as soon as you know you will need care. The best strategy is to contact every licensed home provider in Redfield and inquire about their current openings and waitlist procedures. Also, expand your search to include licensed centers in neighboring communities like Adel, Dexter, or Stuart, which may have different availability. Getting on multiple lists is common. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee, and maintain communication with providers every few months to stay on their radar.
What are the state-mandated staff-to-child ratios for childcare in Iowa, and how do they impact care in Redfield?
Iowa DHS sets strict ratios to ensure safety and quality. For Child Development Homes, the ratios are: 1 caregiver to no more than 6 children, with no more than 3 being under age 2. For children under 1, the ratio is 1:4. In licensed centers, ratios vary by age: 1:4 for infants (0-12 months), 1:6 for toddlers (1-2 years), and 1:8 for 2-year-olds. In a small town like Redfield, these ratios mean home providers are often at full capacity with a small, mixed-age group, which can create a family atmosphere but also means spots fill quickly. Parents should always verify that any provider they are considering is in compliance with these state ratios.
Are there any preschool or early learning programs integrated into daycare options in Redfield?
Yes, many licensed home providers and any potential centers in the area incorporate early learning into their daily routines. Furthermore, the ADM Community School District, which serves Redfield, offers a Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program (SWVPP). This is typically a part-day, school-year program for 4-year-olds, often housed at the elementary school. However, it does not cover full-day childcare needs. Some local home providers may partner with or be certified to deliver this preschool curriculum. For a seamless full-day care and learning experience, parents should specifically ask providers about their educational philosophy, daily schedule, and if they follow a structured curriculum aligned with Iowa Early Learning Standards.