Section I - Child Care

This directory has been developed to help individuals and groups locate services. A listing in this directory does not indicate an endorsement of any kind by Step Ahead nor does an omission of a service indicate a lack of endorsement. Parents must use their own best judgment in determining who can best care for their child.

For information on becoming a licensed child care provider, center or home-based, please call the Boone County Office of Family and Children at 765-482-1630 or the State Office at 317-232- 4442.

For the most current listing of child care providers, contact The Child Care Resource Network (formerly ConneXions), 1-800-932-3302.

Early Childhood Creed for Indiana

The people of Indiana recognize that our quality of life and future economic health is determined by the quality of care provided to our children today.

Therefore we believe:

That every child has a right to a safe, healthy, nurturing environment.
That every parent is the child’s first and foremost teacher.
That all families have the right to information and education which will allow them to make
choices for the care of the their children.
That the role of the caregiver is essential to the development of the child; therefore, the caregiver is a professional in a highly valued position.
That the community has a responsibility to strengthen families by supporting and enhancing available, accessible and affordable services to children and families.
That the final decision and evaluation is the responsibility of the parents.

(Developed by the Step Ahead Quality and Training Committee)

Quality Childcare and Checklist

Ten Important Questions to Ask Your Child Care Provider:

What are your hours and fees?
Do you provide references?
May I meet any assistants who might be involved with my child?
Who cares for my child if the provider becomes ill?
What if my child becomes ill while in your care?
How is discipline handled?
What is the general daily schedule of activities?
What is your television philosophy?
What provisions am I responsible for (diapers, extra clothing, meals, snacks)?
What other services do you provide (transportation, toilet training, special needs for children)?

For child care referrals call: The Child Care Resource Network (formerly ConneXions) at 1-800-932-3302.

As parents, your strongest power is to stop using a provider who does not respect your wishes. The best solution to problems, of couse, is prevention. Talk to each other daily. Be open and respectful. Be clear with each other about what you as a parent expect and what is fair for your child's provider.

Checklist

Once you find childcare you like, set a time to visit. Take your child with you. Here is a handy list of things to look for as you walk through and talk to the adults.

The Providers:

Seem to really like children
Respond promptly to signs of distress
Give your child individual attention
Speak in steady, relaxed manner with children and parents
Listen to children and parents carefully
Have experience and training in child development

The Place:

Is state licensed or a state registered ministry (if it has more than 5 full-time children)
Is bright, pleasant and in good repair
Is clean, neat and smells good
Has enough space for the number of children
Is safe or children both indoors and outside
Has "child-sized" furnishings and equipment
Has additional accreditations, certifications

In General:

Your child seems to be happy; other children seem to be happy

Licensed Child Care Centers

Boone County Child Development Academy
Lebanon, IN 46052
765-482-0784
Ages: 2-14

Colonial Village Nursery & Day Care
Sherry Bennett
Zionsville, IN 46077
317-873-4223 Ages: 2-6

Discovery Express
Dawn Vaughn
Lebanon, IN 46077
765-483-9990 Ages: 6 weeks - 5th grade

The Goddard School
Tom Ashworth
Zionsville, IN 46077
317-733-8855

Kid's World
Teresa Hunter
Thorntown, IN 46071
765-436-7327
Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years

The Learning Tree Developmental Center
Barbara Garrett
Lebanon, IN 46052
765-485-2273
Ages: Infant - 12

Peppermint Palace Day Care & Learning Center
David & Karen Sines
Lebanon, IN 46052
765-482-1882
Ages: 2 - 11

Pixie Playhouse
Becky Miller
Lebanon, IN 46052
765-482-3385
Ages: 2-8

Small Blessings
Miss Debbie
Indianapolis, IN 46278
317-328-2223
Ages: Infant - School Age

Licensed Day Care Homes

Deborah Campbell, Debi's Daycare
Lebanon, IN 46052
765-482-4325

Dawn Lantz, Dawn 'til Dusk Daycare
Zionsville, IN 46077
317-873-0505

Beverly Emrick, Kiddie Korner Daycare
Lebanon, IN 46052
765482-1834

Jean Kouns, Around The Maypole
Lebanon, IN 46052
765-482-3896

Doris Lindsay, Little Hands Daycare
Lebanon, IN 46052
765-482-5586

Christina Newby, Crayon Cottage
Lebanon, IN 46052
765482-7357

Linda Payne, Lollipops & Tots Daycare
Lebanon, IN 46052
765-482-2071

Kelly Reynolds, Kelly's Kids
Lebanon, IN 46052
765-482-6609

Pamela Sheets, Pam's Day Care
Zionsville, IN 46077
317-873-3178

Linda Summers
Lebanon, IN 46052
765482-0231

Angela Williams, Angie's Daycare
Lebanon, IN 46052
765482-9128

Bonnie Wilson-Ford, Kool Kids Daycare
Lebanon, IN 46052
765-482-0813

Deanna Culley, Guardian Angel Nursery
Lebanon, IN 46052
765-482-4325

Unlicensed Exempt Providers

These providers are not licensed, however they have completed a certification program and accept vouchers or Boone County Office of Family and Children programs. These providers have received an on-site observation, inspection and interview. Each provider is rated based upon the outcome of the above observations. Please contact the Boone County Voucher Agent c/o the Youth Action Community Council of Boone County, Inc. at 765-482-0498 for a complete listing of these providers or for information on how to become an unlicensed, exempt provider.

Before and After School Care

BASE - Before and After School Experience

The BASE program is a not-for-profit, school age childcare service available to Lebanon and Western Boone elementary schools. Administered by the Youth Action Community Council of Boone County, Inc., the BASE program provides meaningful activities including games, crafts, homework time, self-help projects, and opportunities for physical and emotional release. BASE runs from 7 a.m. until the school day starts and from the end of school until 6 p.m. on school days and some school holidays. Staff are trained in First Aid, CPR, classroom management and group activities. The program maintains a 1:15 staff to student ratio. Enrollment options include full or part-time where enrollment numbers allow for either a before school program, an after school program or both. Fees are charged on a weekly basis for full-time enrollment and on a daily basis for part-time enrollment. For more information contact:

The Youth Action Community Council of Boone County, Inc.
1122 North Lebanon Street
PO Box 803
Lebanon, IN 46052
765-482-0498
Website: http://bccn.boone.in.us/yacc/

You feel comfortable with the place and people
You are allowed to visit any time
There are enough providers for the number of children
Activities are right for your child's age and abilities
There is a daily routine that balances active and quiet time
Rules of behavior are clearly spelled out and followed all the time
Nutritious meals are provided, and meal times are free of conflict
There are clear procedures for dealing with a child's illness
Speak with other parents about the childcare, CHECK REFERENCES

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Last modified: 4 December 2008/tlm.
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