Early Education

Like for many rural communities around the United States, access to early childhood education (0-5 years) is crucial for the future growth and economic strength of Wabash County.

By investing in our youngest residents, we ensure a brighter future with a well-prepared, skilled workforce that can drive local economic growth. Moreover, quality early education programs foster strong community ties and help create a supportive environment for all families in Wabash County.

First Five Wabash County

The vision of First Five of Wabash County is to revitalize the community, so it can thrive long term. Their mission is to transform our community by connecting school readiness to economic success for Wabash County.

First Five of Wabash County has Five main goals they hope to accomplish:

Increase Capacity
Increase Accessibility
Improve Quality
Increase Affordability
Increase Parent and Community Engagement

Visit the First Five Wabash County website here.

Wabash County Discounted Child Care Program

The Community Foundation of Wabash County has received a $750,000 grant from the State of Indiana from the Employer-Sponsored Child Care Fund.

For up to one year, licensed childcare centers, ministries, and homes in Wabash County will offer discounts on fees to families who are employed by a member of Grow Wabash County or Manchester Alive. Elgibile families will receive 50% off or more on their total tuition costs. This is for all current and new enrolled children.

Eligibility Requirements:

Be employed by a member business of Grow Wabash County or Manchester Alive

Currently enroll or plan to enroll a child or children in a licensed childcare center, ministry, or home in Wabash County.
1. See list of Licensed Child Care Providers below.

Contribute 7% of household income (adjusted gross income from line 11 of the family’s 1040 federal tax return) to childcare expense.
Have a household income that is less than 400% of the federal poverty level (example: $90,000 household income for a family of four).
Not be participating in the state voucher program for early childhood education.

These discounts will be available on a first come, first served basis to qualified families and will end when the grant has been expended. Discounts for multiple children in the same family will be calculated individually, using the same formula.

How to Enroll: Enrollment forms for discounted childcare costs can be found at any of the licensed childcare providers in Wabash County listed below.

Note: The children of childcare workers are eligible for discounts if the licensed childcare provider that the parent works for is a member investor of Manchester Alive or Grow Wabash County. The child of a childcare worker must be enrolled in a licensed center, ministry, or home, including the program where the parent is employed.

Licensed Child Care Providers:

First Friends Childcare Ministry, Wabash First United Methodist Church, 260-563-7665, PTQ 1
LaFontaine Learning Community (LaFontaine), 765-371-2044, PTQ 3
Manchester Early Learning Center (Manchester), 260-982-4913, PTQ 2
The Montessori School at the Presbyterian Church (Wabash), 260-563-8881, PTQ 1
Little Norse Preschool (MSDWC Schools), north, 260-563-8050, PTQ 3
Little Knights (MSDWC Schools), south, 260-563-8050, PTQ 3
Manchester Elementary School (Manchester Community Schools), 260-982-7541, PTQ 3
L. H. Carpenter Early Childhood Center (Wabash City Schools), 260-374-3330, PTQ 3
St. Paul’s Countyline Child Care Ministry (Andrews), 260-224-7111

Find a licensed provider near you via Indiana Child Care Finder.