Find a daycare in Indianapolis, IN

Find daycares in Indianapolis, IN

Find daycares in Indianapolis, IN

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Find daycares in Indianapolis, IN

Confirm your location to see the best daycares near you.
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Top 10 daycares in Indianapolis, IN

Parents agree: these Indianapolis daycares are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
The Goddard School Of Noblesville

The Goddard School Of Noblesville

5+ years in business
Serves Indianapolis, IN
Founded in 2020, The Goddard School in Noblesville, IN, has established itself as a trusted name among parents and families. Catering to children aged 6 weeks to 6 years, the school is committed to nurturing every child's curiosity in a safe, caring environment. Their unique, play-based curriculum, grounded in academic research, ensures that children have fun while learning. The Goddard School aims to equip children with the skills they need to be school-ready, career-ready, and life-ready. The school is more than just a daycare; it's a home away from home for families enrolled.
Think Ahead Academy 2

Think Ahead Academy 2

Serves Indianapolis, IN
Think Ahead Academy, founded in 2018 and serving Indianapolis, Indiana, and surrounding areas, is a leading learning academy that prioritizes comprehensive childcare and education. With over a decade of experience in education, the academy offers a range of services including preschool, child care, daycare, and tutoring. They also provide e-learning assistance and before and after school care. The academy develops age-appropriate learning programs for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children, with a focus on hands-on activities in math, science, art, and literacy. Think Ahead Academy is dedicated to preparing children holistic
Nicia's Happy Hearts Child Care

Nicia's Happy Hearts Child Care

5.0(2)
3+ years in business
Serves Indianapolis, IN
Adriana L. says, "My kiddos have been with her since the beginning and my youngest calls her mama. She truly is an amazing person and knows how to communicate with you and will listen to questions and concerns." Read more
Edgewood Preschool Cooperative

Edgewood Preschool Cooperative

65+ years in business
Serves Indianapolis, IN
Edgewood Preschool Cooperative located in Indianapolis, IN. They offer part time developmentally appropriate programs that foster a love of learning and discovery. With a focus on promoting positive self-concepts and self-worth, they value the uniqueness of each child. They offer play-based, kindergarten readiness programs for children aged 2 to 5 years old. They are a cooperative preschool that requires parent participation.
Tiny Tots & Dots Learning Ministry

Tiny Tots & Dots Learning Ministry

Serves Indianapolis, IN
Tiny Tots & Dots is a distinguished establishment serving families predominantly in Indianapolis, Indiana, and Lawrence, Indiana, along with their surrounding areas. They are committed to providing excellent services that cater to their customers' needs. Their team prides themselves in upholding a high standard of professionalism and dedication. Experience the unique offerings of Tiny Tots & Dots and see why they are highly esteemed in their community.
The Goddard School Of Zionsville

The Goddard School Of Zionsville

Serves Indianapolis, IN
Founded in 2002, The Goddard School in Zionsville, IN and surrounding areas is more than just a daycare. It's a private preschool that provides exceptional early childhood education for children from 6 weeks up to 3rd grade. The school nurtures each child's curiosity in a safe, caring environment while preparing them for the next steps in their educational journey. Their well-designed, fun learning experiences incorporate science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. The Goddard School is committed to helping children become school-ready, career-ready, and life-ready.
Payton's Play Space

Payton's Play Space

Serves Indianapolis, IN
Payton's Play Space, based in Indianapolis, IN, is a licensed home daycare providing both care and educational experiences. With capacity for up to 12 children, the establishment offers a nurturing and engaging environment for kids, fostering their growth and development. Reach out to Payton's Play Space to learn more about their services, availability, and pricing.
Pilgrim Lutheran Church Preschool

Pilgrim Lutheran Church Preschool

Serves Indianapolis, IN
Founded in 1955, Pilgrim Lutheran Church Preschool, based in Carmel, IN, is a non-profit school that provides a nurturing Christian environment for children aged two and above. The preschool focuses on instilling a wholesome Christian character, a positive self-image, and a love for self and others through its diverse lessons and activities. It's more than just a daycare - it's a place where care and education intertwine to create a positive foundation for young minds.
Adventure Academy

Adventure Academy

9+ years in business
Serves Indianapolis, IN
Founded in 2016, Adventure Academy is a licensed daycare center based in Indianapolis and serves the surrounding areas. The Academy focuses on fostering children's natural curiosity through interactive, age-appropriate activities within a safe and nurturing environment. Catering to children from 6 weeks to 5 years, Adventure Academy encourages individual growth, self-discovery, and a positive self-image. The academy offers various schedules to suit the needs of all families.
Hattie's Little Angels Daycare

Hattie's Little Angels Daycare

Serves Indianapolis, IN
Hattie's Little Angels Daycare, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a licensed home daycare known for providing exceptional care and educational experiences. They cater to up to 12 children, offering a perfect blend of child care and play experiences that foster growth and development. Reach out to Hattie's Little Angels Daycare today, and rest assured your little ones are in the hands of caring professionals.

Your Daycare questions, answered

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on TrustedCare.

How much does daycare cost?

Daycare costs depend on the child’s age group, the type of daycare, and where you live. Infant daycare is typically the most expensive, ranging from $650 to $1,500 per month. Infant daycare requires higher ratios of caregivers to children, which increases costs. Babies require more individualized attention, including diaper changes, feedings, and naps. As the child ages and becomes more independent, this ratio decreases along with daycare costs.

Traditional daycare centers tend to charge higher rates than home-based family daycare centers or co-ops. However, they usually have lower child-to-caregiver ratios, offer a wider range of amenities and activities, and have stricter qualifications for staff. Church-based, YMCA, or other non-profit child care centers offer lower rates, while home-based daycare is typically the cheapest option due to the low overhead costs.

In urban areas with a higher cost of living, daycare costs tend to be higher to cover the cost of higher rent and teacher salaries. Suburban and rural daycare centers have lower overhead costs, which often translates to more affordable daycare.

Is daycare tax deductible?

No, you cannot directly deduct daycare expenses on your federal tax return. However, if you qualify, there's a tax credit designed to assist with daycare costs, known as the Child and Dependent Care Credit.

The Child and Dependent Care Credit enables you to claim a percentage of your eligible childcare expenses. It ranges from 20% to 35% of allowable expenses, capping at $3,000 for one qualifying child and $6,000 for two or more qualifying children (applicable to the 2023 tax year). Consult a qualified tax professional to confirm if your eligibility.

Can a daycare charge you when they are closed?

Some daycares may charge a reduced fee or no fee at all during certain closures, while others may maintain regular charges. The terms in your daycare contract or agreement should outline whether or not you are charged when they are closed. It's common for daycares to have specific policies regarding fees during closures, such as holidays or other scheduled breaks.

If you're unsure, reach out to the daycare directly to clarify their billing practices during closures.

How do I look up daycare violations?

To look up daycare violations, start by contacting your state’s licensing agency for childcare facilities. You can usually find this information through your state’s Department of Health and Human Services online database.

Another option is to reach out to community resources such as local parenting groups, forums, or social media groups. Other parents may share their experiences or provide information about daycare violations in your area. Finally, consider a visit the daycare center directly and ask for information about any past violations. Daycare centers are often required to make this information accessible to parents.

How do I choose a daycare?

When picking a daycare, trust your instincts and choose a daycare that aligns with your child's needs, your values, and provides a safe and nurturing environment for their development. Follow these additional suggestions to find the best fit for you and your child:

  • Get recommendations from other parents, friends, and pediatricians to start your search.
  • Visit in person to make sure the spaces are clean, safe, and friendly.
  • Ask about caregiver qualifications, such as CPR training, early childhood education background, and experience with children of a similar age.
  • Understand the daycare's approach to early education, discipline, feeding, and soothing methods.
  • Choose a daycare that is licensed and accredited to meet government-set health and safety standards.
  • Check if parents are encouraged to participate in the program and if there are opportunities for parental engagement.
  • Contact current and former clients for feedback on their experiences with the daycare.
  • Consider making unannounced visits to get a true sense of the daycare's daily operations
  • Look for a daycare with a suitable curriculum, flexible schedules, and activities that fit your preferences.
  • Visit the daycare with your child and see how they react to the space, teachers, and other children.
  • Secure a spot on the waiting list as early as possible, especially for sought-after infant programs.

What questions should I ask when evaluating potential daycare centers?

Gather as much information as you can to find the daycare that best fits your family’s needs. Be prepared with a list of questions when visiting daycares, including:

  • Is your daycare licensed and accredited to meet safety standards?
  • Are teachers credentialed and trained in CPR/First Aid?
  • What are the class sizes and student-teacher ratios for each age group?
  • What are the daycare's hours of operation and rates?
  • How does the daycare handle discipline?
  • Will the daycare assist with potty training?
  • How much time do children spend in free-play and outdoors?
  • Are meals and snacks provided by the daycare?
  • How are food allergies handled by the daycare?
  • What enrichment programs and activities are available?

Reviews for Indianapolis daycares

Recent success stories from people in the Indianapolis area.
Destiny A.
Miss Nicia was wonderful with the kids! It really was more like a preschool for them. They practiced letters, had story time, had daily lessons, and even did yoga! My two kids always had a wonderful time there. I really saw my 3 year old open up after attending. We are so grateful for her care of our children and affordable pricing. Thank you Miss Nicia!
Nicia's Happy Hearts Child Care
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