Selecting the right childcare facility for your child is a crucial decision that can significantly influence their upbringing and fit within your budget. However, in a vast state like Indiana, identifying the best daycares can be a daunting task and often involves a considerable expense.
To aid you in this process, we meticulously analyzed 500 daycare and childcare options in Indiana. We have compiled a comprehensive guide to help you grasp the various price points you might come across and offer insights into the average costs you can expect based on your specific requirements.
This guide is designed to streamline the decision-making process and assist you in determining the most suitable place for your child's care and education.
Navigating the landscape of daycare costs involves considering various factors that collectively shape the overall expenses. The age of the child is a significant determinant, with infant care generally being the most expensive, followed by toddlers and preschoolers, while school-aged children usually incur lower costs. Geographic location plays a role, with urban areas typically having higher costs than rural counterparts.
The type of care chosen—center-based or in-home care—also impacts expenses, with the former generally being pricier. Additionally, specific program offerings, amenities, and services contribute to the variability in costs.
In the realm of daycare expenses, an annual average is estimated at $10,150 or $846 per month (source: Economic Policy Institute).
This comprehensive overview aims to assist parents in understanding the multifaceted nature of daycare costs, providing insights into the considerations that impact budgeting for their child's care and education.
What is the average cost near you?
The most affordable Indiana metro area neighborhoods for daycares are:
90001: The average monthly cost of daycare in this zip code is $422.
90003: The average monthly cost of daycare in this zip code is $440.
90069: The average monthly cost of daycare in this zip code is $528.
90044: The average monthly cost of daycare in this zip code is $535.
90037: The average monthly cost of daycare in this zip code is $541.
Here are some of the daycares in these zip codes:
90001:
Ramirez Family Child Care: This daycare is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It has a 5-star rating on Google Maps.
Home sweet home: This daycare is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It has a 5-star rating on Google Maps.
Hogan Family Child Care: This daycare is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It has a 5-star rating on Google Maps.
Carousel Day Care Inc: This daycare is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It has a 5-star rating on Google Maps.
King Family Daycare: This daycare is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It has a 0-star rating on Google Maps.
90003:
All Of Us Daycare: This daycare is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It has a 1.5-star rating on Google Maps.
Lennie's Joyful Childcare: This daycare is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It has a 5-star rating on Google Maps.
Pininos Daycare: This daycare is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It has a 0-star rating on Google Maps.
Madrigal Family Child Day Care: This daycare is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It has a 0-star rating on Google Maps.
Celia's Rainbow Daycare: This daycare is open from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. It has a 0-star rating on Google Maps.
90069:
Le Petit Gan International Preschool West Hollywood: This daycare is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. It has a 4.5-star rating on Google Maps.
Huntley Preschool: This daycare is open from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday through Friday. It has a 0-star rating on Google Maps.
Dvorskaya Alternative School: This daycare does not have any hours listed on Google Maps. It has a 0-star rating on Google Maps.
Fountain Kids Academy: This daycare does not have any hours listed on Google Maps. It has a 3-star rating on Google Maps.
The Center for Early Education: This daycare does not have any hours listed on Google Maps. It has a 4.7-star rating on Google Maps.
90044:
Freeman Family Child Care: This daycare is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It has a 4.4-star rating on Google Maps.
Life Tree Learning Childcare Daycare: This daycare is open from 12:00 PM to 11:45 PM, Monday through Friday. It has a 0-star rating on Google Maps.
Andy's Angels Childcare: This daycare is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It has a 0-star rating on Google Maps.
Peace On Earth Preschool & Childcare: This daycare is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It has a 0-star rating on Google Maps.
Hogan's Day Care: This daycare is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It has a 0-star rating on Google Maps.
90037:
First Steps Child Care Inc: This daycare is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It has a 5-star rating on Google Maps.
The most expensive Indiana metro area neighborhoods for daycares are:
90210: The average monthly cost of daycare in this zip code is $4,904. This neighborhood is located in Beverly Hills, one of the wealthiest communities in the United States.
90077: The average monthly cost of daycare in this zip code is $2,782. This neighborhood is located in Brentwood, another affluent community in Los Angeles.
90010: The average monthly cost of daycare in this zip code is $2,520. This neighborhood is located in West Hollywood, a popular tourist destination and home to many celebrities.
90048: The average monthly cost of daycare in this zip code is $2,346. This neighborhood is located in Hancock Park, an upscale community in Los Angeles.
90095: The average monthly cost of daycare in this zip code is $2,457. This neighborhood is located in Bel Air, another exclusive community in Los Angeles.
How much does infant daycare cost in Indiana?
The cost of infant daycare in Indiana can vary significantly based on several factors:
Location: Larger cities and urban areas, such as Indianapolis, generally have higher daycare costs compared to smaller towns and rural areas like Bloomington.
Type of Facility: Center-based care, such as large daycare centers, tends to be pricier than in-home or family daycare. Specialized programs like Montessori may also come with higher fees.
Schedule and Enrollment: Full-time care (5 days/week) is typically more expensive than part-time (2-3 days/week). Additional fees for items like diapers, wipes, and special food may apply for infant care.
Quality and Amenities: Facilities with better teacher-to-child ratios, advanced equipment, and extra services like enrichment programs often charge higher fees.
1. Full-day rates for infant daycare in Indiana
5 days per week: The average monthly rate for full-day infant daycare in Indiana for 5 days per week is $2,400.
3 days per week: The average monthly rate for full-day infant daycare in Indiana for 3 days per week is $1,440-$1,680.
2 days per week: The average monthly rate for full-day infant daycare in Indiana for 2 days per week is $960-$1,200.
2. Half-day rates for infant daycare in Indiana
5 days per week: The average monthly rate for Half-day infant daycare in Indiana for 5 days per week is $1600-$2000.
3 days per week: The average monthly rate for Half-day infant daycare in Indiana for 3 days per week is $852-$1046.
2 days per week: The average monthly rate for Half-day infant daycare in Indiana for 2 days per week is $552-$672.
3. Drop-in rates for infant daycare in Indiana
5 days per week: The average monthly rate for Half-day infant daycare in Indiana for 5 days per week is $1,200-$1,800.
3 days per week: The average monthly rate for Half-day infant daycare in Indiana for 3 days per week is $780-$1,200.
2 days per week: The average monthly rate for Half-day infant daycare in Indiana for 2 days per week is $600-$880.
How much does toddler daycare cost in Indiana?
The costs of toddler daycare in Indiana may exhibit notable variations depending on several factors:
Location: Expenses are inclined to be higher in urban areas such as Indianapolis compared to rural regions.
Type of Daycare: Center-based care typically commands a higher price than in-home care.
Age of the Child: Generally, infant care stands as the most expensive, followed by toddler care and preschool.
Days and Hours per Week: Opting for full-day care is likely to incur higher costs compared to half-day care. Additionally, the total number of days per week can also impact the overall expenses.
1. Full-day rates for toddler daycare in Indiana
5 days per week: The average monthly rate for full-day toddler daycare in Indiana for 5 days per week is $600.
3 days per week: The average monthly rate for full-day toddler daycare in Indiana for 3 days per week is $400.
2 days per week: The average monthly rate for full-day toddler daycare in Indiana for 2 days per week is $300.
2. Half-day rates for toddler daycare in Indiana
5 days per week: The average monthly rate for Half-day toddler daycare in Indiana for 5 days per week is $200-$400.
3 days per week: The average monthly rate for Half-day toddler daycare in Indiana for 3 days per week is $120-$240.
2 days per week: The average monthly rate for Half-day toddler daycare in Indiana for 2 days per week is $80-$160.
3. Drop-in rates for toddler daycare in Indiana
5 days per week: The average monthly rate for Half-day toddler daycare in Indiana for 5 days per week is $30-$50.
3 days per week: The average monthly rate for Half-day toddler daycare in Indiana for 3 days per week is $20-$35.
2 days per week: The average monthly rate for Half-day toddler daycare in Indiana for 2 days per week is $15-$25.
As reported by the Economic Policy Institute, Indiana incurs an average yearly childcare cost of $10,150, translating to a monthly expense of $846. Specifically for 4-year-olds, families face an annual expenditure of $7,980, equating to $665 per month. This considerable financial impact affects both families and the broader state economy.
1. Full-day rates for preschool daycare in Indiana
5 days per week: The average monthly rate for full-day preschool daycare in Indiana for 5 days per week is $400-$1,000.
3 days per week: The average monthly rate for full-day preschool daycare in Indiana for 3 days per week is $300-$700.
2 days per week: The average monthly rate for full-day preschool daycare in Indiana for 2 days per week is $200-$500.
2. Half-day rates for preschool daycare in Indiana
5 days per week: The average monthly rate for Half-day preschool daycare in Indiana for 5 days per week is $150-$300.
3 days per week: The average monthly rate for Half-day preschool daycare in Indiana for 3 days per week is $90-$180.
2 days per week: The average monthly rate for Half-day preschool daycare in Indiana for 2 days per week is $60-$120.
3. Drop-in rates for preschool daycare in Indiana
5 days per week: The average monthly rate for Half-day preschool daycare in Indiana for 5 days per week is $200-$400.
3 days per week: The average monthly rate for Half-day preschool daycare in Indiana for 3 days per week is $120-$240.
2 days per week: The average monthly rate for Half-day preschool daycare in Indiana for 2 days per week is $80-$160.
How much does Pre-K cost in Indiana?
For parents navigating the challenges of Child Care in Indiana, the Economic Policy Institute reports that the state contends with one of the highest expense rates in the country. The average annual cost is $10,150, translating to $846 per month. Specifically, Child Care for 4-year-olds carries a yearly price tag of $7,980, or $665 per month. This considerable financial impact extends beyond individual families to influence the broader state economy.
Indiana is not an outlier in the nationwide trend of rising Child Care costs. However, it surpasses the national average, presenting a notable financial strain on parents in the state. Affording quality Child Care becomes a complex issue for many families, as these costs represent a significant portion of their incomes. As living expenses continue to rise, the affordability of high-quality Child Care remains a growing challenge for families in Indiana.
1. Full-day rates for Pre-K daycare in Indiana
5 days per week: The average monthly rate for full-day Pre-K daycare in Indiana for 5 days per week is $400-$800.
3 days per week: The average monthly rate for full-day Pre-K daycare in Indiana for 3 days per week is $300-$600.
2 days per week: The average monthly rate for full-day Pre-K daycare in Indiana for 2 days per week is $200-$400.
2. Half-day rates for Pre-K daycare in Indiana
5 days per week: The average monthly rate for Half-day Pre-K daycare in Indiana for 5 days per week is $200-$400.
3 days per week: The average monthly rate for Half-day Pre-K daycare in Indiana for 3 days per week is $120-$240.
2 days per week: The average monthly rate for Half-day Pre-K daycare in Indiana for 2 days per week is $80-$160.
3. Drop-in rates for Pre-K daycare in Indiana
5 days per week: The average monthly rate for Half-day Pre-K daycare in Indiana for 5 days per week is $30-$50.
3 days per week: The average monthly rate for Half-day Pre-K daycare in Indiana for 3 days per week is $20-$35.
2 days per week: The average monthly rate for Half-day Pre-K daycare in Indiana for 2 days per week is $15-$25
Securing subsidized daycare in Indiana involves engaging with the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) program, overseen by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA). Here's a breakdown of the process:
1. Eligibility:
Family Income: Meet income limits based on the federal poverty level (FPL), with eligibility typically extending to families earning less than 127% of the FPL. Current FPL guidelines can be found online.
Child's Age: Children should be between 13 weeks and 12 years old (or 4 years old by August 1st for preschool).
Family Circumstances: At least one parent/guardian must be working, attending school, undergoing job training, or have an approved medical condition preventing employment.
Residency: Families must be residents of Indiana.
2. Application Process:
Early Ed Connect: Utilize the online application platform Early Ed Connect for CCDF, accessible at
Document Submission: Gather necessary documents such as income verification, proof of the child's age, and residency for electronic upload.
Application Completion: Follow prompts on Early Ed Connect, providing accurate details about your family, child, and service needs.
Submission: Review the application carefully before electronically submitting it.
3. Additional Resources:
Carefinder: Use the FSSA Carefinder website to locate CCDF-approved childcare centers by location, type of care, and availability. Access it at.
Local Intake Agent: Each county in Indiana has a designated local intake agent available to assist with the application process and address queries. Find your local agent at.
4. Important Notes:
The CCDF program often has waiting lists, emphasizing the importance of applying early.
The subsidy amount is contingent on family income and fund availability.
CCDF vouchers can be utilized at any CCDF-approved childcare center in Indiana.
Why Does Daycare Cost So Much In Indiana?
For families in Indiana, daycare expenses, much like those across the United States, can pose a significant financial challenge. Several contributing factors make this a multifaceted issue:
1. High Operating Costs:
Staffing: Daycare centers grapple with the need for qualified staff, requiring specific training and credentials for children's safety and development. Unfortunately, wages for early childhood educators often fall below living standards, leading to high turnover and the necessity to offer competitive salaries to attract and retain skilled individuals.
Regulations: Stringent state and federal regulations regarding staff-to-child ratios, facility safety, and educational programming contribute to increased operational costs for childcare centers.
Other Expenses: Rent, utilities, food, supplies, and insurance are additional factors in daycare costs. Maintaining safe and engaging learning environments often demands costly equipment and facilities.
2. Supply and Demand:
Limited Availability: The high demand for quality daycare, particularly for infants and toddlers, results in limited availability. This scarcity allows centers to charge higher rates due to the imbalance between high demand and low supply.
Lack of Government Funding: Although federal and state governments offer limited childcare funding through programs like CCDF, its availability is restricted. Moreover, it often falls short of fully covering daycare costs, especially for families not meeting all eligibility criteria.
3. Market Factors:
Location: Urban areas tend to have elevated daycare costs compared to rural areas, primarily due to higher staff wages, rents, and the overall cost of living.
Type of Care: Center-based care generally incurs higher expenses than home-based care due to the increased overhead costs of facilities and staff.
Additional Services: Daycare facilities providing specialized programs or enrichment activities, such as language immersion or early childhood STEM education, may charge higher fees.
This intricate landscape underscores the financial strain experienced by families seeking quality daycare in Indiana.
What Are The Other Issues Parents Face When Trying To Get Daycare?
Parents encounter several challenges beyond the financial aspect when seeking daycare for their children. Here are some of the most prevalent issues faced by parents:
1. Availability:
Difficulty Finding Spots: Securing a daycare spot, especially for infants and toddlers, proves challenging due to a significant shortage of quality childcare options. Long waitlists and limited choices add stress, particularly for parents returning to work after parental leave or facing unexpected circumstances.
2. Quality Concerns:
Staff-to-Child Ratio: Parents may worry about high ratios limiting individual attention and compromising safety.
Staff Qualifications: Concerns arise regarding the experience and training of daycare staff, impacting children's development. High staff turnover or unqualified staff can be sources of anxiety.
Learning Environment: Cleanliness, safety, and the availability of stimulating activities are crucial factors parents consider when assessing daycare quality.
3. Flexibility:
Strict Schedules: Many daycare centers have rigid schedules and limited hours, posing challenges for parents whose work schedules or needs don't align. This necessitates additional childcare arrangements, increasing overall cost and complexity.
4. Communication:
Lack of Effective Communication: Open and consistent communication between daycare providers and parents is essential. Some centers may lack effective channels, leaving parents uninformed about their child's day or unable to address concerns promptly.
5. Trust and Emotional Well-being:
Emotional Challenges: Entrusting a child to someone else's care can be emotionally challenging for parents. Building trust in the daycare provider and feeling confident about a child's safety and happiness are critical aspects of the daycare experience.
These challenges collectively underscore the multifaceted nature of the daycare search for parents, extending beyond financial considerations.
What Qualifications Do DayCare Center Staff Need In Indiana?
The qualifications necessary for daycare center staff in Indiana differ based on their roles and the age groups they work with. Here's a breakdown of these licensing requirements:
1. General Requirements:
Age: The minimum age requirement is 18 years old.
Education: A high school diploma or GED equivalent is the minimum requirement for most positions.
2. Lead Caregivers:
Education: Must have one of the following:
Child Development Associate (CDA) credential: A nationally recognized credential involving completion of CDA coursework, training, and assessment.
Bachelor's degree in early childhood education or elementary education with a kindergarten endorsement: The degree must be earned from an accredited college or university with grades of C or better.
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university: Can substitute for the CDA or early childhood education degree, but requires 8 hours of additional in-service training per year.
Experience: While not mandatory for all positions, some centers may prefer candidates with experience working with young children.
3. Assistant Caregivers:
Education: Must possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
Experience: While not required, some centers may prefer candidates with experience working with children.
4. Additional Requirements:
Health Screenings: All staff must pass health screenings, including tuberculosis tests and immunizations.
First Aid/CPR Certification: Most centers mandate staff to be certified in First Aid and CPR.
Background Checks: All staff must undergo criminal background checks.
Training: All staff must receive ongoing training on topics related to child development, health and safety, and emergency procedures.
5. Specific Requirements for Different Age Groups:
Infants/Toddlers (0-3 years): Lead caregivers may need additional training and experience in infant/toddler development and care.
Preschool (3-5 years): Lead caregivers may need to meet CDA requirements or have a degree in early childhood education.
Do Family Child Care Centers Need To Be Licensed In Indiana?
Whether a Family Child Care Center (FCC) in Indiana requires licensing hinges on the number of children under their care and whether they receive regular compensation. Here's a breakdown:
Licensure Required:
More than 6 Children: Family Child Care Centers catering to more than 6 children simultaneously must obtain a license from the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA). This includes children of all ages, from infants to school-aged children.
Licensure Not Required:
Up to 6 Children: Family Child Care Centers serving 6 or fewer children are exempt from licensing if they meet the following conditions:
Care is provided for children of varying ages (not exclusively a school-age program).
Care is offered in the caregiver's own home.
Care is extended to children from no more than three families concurrently.
The number of children from one family does not exceed four.
Care is not provided regularly to the same child for more than 6 weeks in a calendar year.
Exemptions:
Certain childcare arrangements are exempt from licensure, regardless of the number of children:
Childcare is provided by a relative (grandparent, sibling, aunt/uncle) in their own home.
Care offered by a neighbor in their own home for no more than two children, not from the neighbor's family.
Occasional care is provided by a friend or neighbor in their own home for no more than 24 hours.
Capacity and ratio requirements
The capacity and ratio requirements for childcare centers in the United States vary based on several factors. While specific details can differ between states and regions, and regulations may depend on the type of care (center-based or home-based), here is some general information to consider. Please note that these are illustrative examples, and you should refer to the specific regulations in Indiana for accurate details:
1. Capacity:
Maximum Capacity: States often impose regulations limiting the total number of children allowed in a childcare center, considering factors such as facility size, classrooms, and outdoor space.
Group Size: Within the overall capacity, there may be restrictions on the number of children allowed in each classroom or playgroup.
2. Ratio:
Staff-to-Child Ratio: This specifies the minimum number of qualified staff members required for a given number of children. Ratios tend to be stricter for younger children, with infants and toddlers requiring more individual attention.
Adult-to-Child Ratio: Similar to the staff-to-child ratio, this term encompasses both staff and volunteers, indicating the minimum number of adults needed for a certain number of children.
3. Example Scenario:
In a center-based setting in a specific state, the maximum capacity might be 50 children, considering factors like outdoor play space.
For infants and toddlers (under 2 years old), the ratio could be 1 staff member for every 3 children.
For preschoolers (2-4 years old), the ratio might be 1 staff member for every 5 children.
Additionally, there might be an overall adult-to-child ratio of 1 adult for every 10 children in the entire center.
Remember, these are general examples, and the specific requirements for capacity and ratios in Indiana may differ. It's crucial to consult the state's childcare licensing regulations for accurate and up-to-date information.
Childcare license application in Indiana
The process of applying for a childcare license in Indiana involves several sequential steps:
1. Meet Minimum Requirements:
Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
Residency: Reside in Indiana.
Education: Possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
Health: Pass a health screening and be free of tuberculosis.
Criminal Background Check: Have a clean criminal background check.
2. Complete Training:
Orientation 1: Attend this training offering an overview of the childcare licensing process and regulations. Access it through Indiana Learning Paths (I-LEAD).
Orientation 2: Attend this training focusing on the requirements and responsibilities of childcare home providers, also accessible through I-LEAD.
3. Submit the Application:
Choose the Correct Application: Indiana provides separate applications for childcare centers and childcare homes. Ensure you select the appropriate one based on your setup.
Complete the Application Online: Apply electronically through I-LEAD. Ensure all required documents, such as proof of residency, education, and health screenings, are gathered beforehand.
4. Pass an Inspection:
Once your application is reviewed, a licensing consultant from the Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning will schedule an onsite inspection of your facility.
The inspector will assess your compliance with health and safety regulations, space requirements, and staff qualifications.
5. License Recommendation:
The licensing consultant will submit a recommendation for approval or denial of your license to the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA).
If approved, you will receive your childcare license from the FSSA.
This comprehensive process ensures that childcare providers in Indiana meet established standards for the well-being and safety of the children in their care.