Children at daycare

Best Child Daycare & Preschools in Indianapolis, IN

Compare 280 child daycare & preschools in Indianapolis. Average rating: 4.23/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.

Indianapolis, Indiana at a glance

Programs
280
Avg rating
4.23/5
Parent reviews
2,334
Top rated (4.5+)
107

Indianapolis has 280 licensed child daycare & preschools with 2,334 parent reviews averaging 4.23/5.107 are top-rated with 4.5+ stars — 48% of rated programs, well above average.The highest-rated options cluster around 46236 (avg 4.84 stars), while 46219 has the largest selection (22 programs).Start with our top-10 ranked list below or filter by philosophy.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Indianapolis

Ranked using a weighted score that combines Google rating with the number of parent reviews — daycares with more reviews rank higher than those with a high rating but few reviews. Last updated: March 2026.

  1. 1

    4980 West 10th Street, Indianapolis, IN · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: -999 children

    Parents consistently praise the Enriched Before and After School Program for exceptional care and engagement. Staff members, particularly Rosa and Esmeralda, are highly regarded for treating children with individual attention, providing educational enrichment, and fostering strong relationships. Children reportedly enjoy attending and parents appreciate the affordable pricing and comprehensive programming.

    Dedicated and caring staffhomework helpeducational activities (Spanishsign language
  2. 2

    8736 East 21st Street, Indianapolis, IN · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

    Perfected Child Care Ministry receives perfect 5-star ratings from parents who praise the staff's nurturing approach, clean facilities, and strong educational curriculum. Parents consistently report feeling confident leaving their children in the center's care and note significant developmental progress and school readiness. Multiple reviewers describe the staff as family-like and commend the facility's safety measures and communication with families.

    Warm and nurturing staffclean and well-maintained facilitiesstrong educational curriculumsafety measures and security protocols
  3. 3
    The Neighborhood
    4.72 score
    4.9(20)

    9111 North Haverstick Road, Indianapolis, IN · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

    These reviews do not appear to be for a daycare center, but rather for a co-working space and café called The Neighborhood. Reviewers consistently praise the clean, quiet, spacious environment with excellent amenities for remote work and meetings. Staff and beverages receive particular acclaim.

    Clean and spacious facilityample parkingfast WiFiaffordable or free co-working space
  4. 4

    5023 North Shadeland Avenue, Indianapolis, IN · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 99 children

    A GIFTED & TALENTED CHILD DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY INC. receives consistently high praise from parents. All reviews are 5-star ratings highlighting exceptional staff, particularly teachers Ms. Tamika, Ms. Dee Dee, Ms. Keisha, Mrs. Jenn, and Ms. Jazmyn. Parents report their children are excited to attend, experience strong academic growth, and benefit from a caring, nurturing environment that feels like family.

    Highly attentive and hands-on teacherscaring and nurturing staffpositive and engaging learning environmentstrong academic support and child development
  5. 5
    Primrose School Of Geist
    4.72 score
    4.9(20)

    7615 Oaklandon Road, Indianapolis, IN · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 150 children

    Primrose School of Geist in Indianapolis receives exceptional feedback from parents, with all reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents consistently praise the caring and professional staff, strong communication, safe environment, and quality educational programming. Families report high satisfaction across infant, toddler, and pre-K classrooms.

    Caring and professional teachersexcellent communication with parentssafe environmentquality education and learning outcomes
  6. 6

    777 East 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

    Cuddle Kiddies Childcare Academy receives consistently excellent reviews from parents who praise the caring staff, family-like atmosphere, and strong academic preparation. Children show notable developmental progress in academics, social skills, and confidence. Parents report high satisfaction with the facility's curriculum and staff professionalism.

    Loving and attentive staffconsistent teachersstrong academic curriculumchildren enter kindergarten ahead of peers
  7. 7

    3333 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN · Church Daycare · Capacity: -999 children

    St. Nicholas Early Learning Inc. receives consistently excellent feedback from parents, with all reviews rating the facility 5/5 stars. Parents praise the attentive, caring teachers who build genuine relationships with children, maintain strong communication through daily updates and photos, and create a welcoming, diverse community environment.

    Attentive and caring teacherspersonalized child-centered approachexcellent communication and daily photo updates via appdirector accessibility and responsiveness
  8. 8

    6321 La Pas Trail, Indianapolis, IN · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

    Westside Little Wonders receives consistently high praise from parents for its professional, caring staff and school-like educational approach. Parents highlight the director's leadership, warm environment, and excellent communication throughout the day. Children show strong attachment to staff and developmental progress.

    Professional and caring staffwarm and safe environmentstrong director leadershipexcellent daily communication with parents
  9. 9

    4240 N Franklin Rd Ste, #108, Indianapolis, IN · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 38 children

    Rising Stars Early Learning Center receives consistently high praise from parents who describe the staff as caring, attentive, and nurturing. Parents highlight the welcoming environment, strong communication through daily updates, and the genuine bond between teachers and children. Multiple families report long-term enrollment spanning years, with children excited to attend daily.

    Attentive and caring staffwelcoming environmentdaily photo/activity updates via appstrong communication
  10. 10

    2902 East 46th Street, Indianapolis, IN · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

    Rising Stars Childcare Academy receives universal 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring, attentive staff and welcoming environment. Parents consistently report their children are happy and excited to attend, with strong communication through daily updates and photos. The facility is trusted for long-term care, with some families having attended for over a decade.

    Caring and nurturing staffexcellent daily communication and photo updateschildren excited and happy to attendwelcoming director (Ms. Valerie) and teachers

Rating Distribution

Based on 225 daycares with Google ratings in Indianapolis

4.5 - 5.0
107
4.0 - 4.4
59
3.0 - 3.9
48
Below 3
11

What Parents Value Most

Top qualities mentioned across 2,334 reviews, analyzed by AI

1Clean facility
28
2Safe environment
23
3Children enjoy attending
18
4Caring and loving staff
15
5Welcoming atmosphere
13
6Welcoming environment
12
7Family-like atmosphere
10
8Affordable pricing
10

Best Rated Neighborhoods

Indianapolis zip codes ranked by average daycare rating

Zip CodeDaycaresAvg. RatingTop Rated
4623613
4.84
5
462407
4.7
4
4626813
4.66
7
4620811
4.56
7
4626012
4.47
5
4621922
4.47
11
462416
4.46
2
4622018
4.34
4
462346
4.33
2
462026
4.32
2

Facility Sizes

Capacity distribution of daycares in Indianapolis (20–480 children)

Small

up to 30 children

6

Medium

31–75 children

27

Large

76–150 children

65

Very Large

150+ children

47

Top Rated

Highest rated daycares in Indianapolis based on parent reviews

Perfected Child Care Ministry

5(14)

8736 East 21st Street, Indianapolis, IN

Perfected Child Care Ministry receives perfect 5-star ratings from parents who praise the staff's nurturing approach, clean facilities, and strong educational curriculum. Parents consistently report feeling confident leaving their children in the center's care and note significant developmental progress and school readiness. Multiple reviewers describe the staff as family-like and commend the facility's safety measures and communication with families.

Warm and nurturing staffclean and well-maintained facilitiesstrong educational curriculum

The Neighborhood

4.9(20)

9111 North Haverstick Road, Indianapolis, IN

These reviews do not appear to be for a daycare center, but rather for a co-working space and café called The Neighborhood. Reviewers consistently praise the clean, quiet, spacious environment with excellent amenities for remote work and meetings. Staff and beverages receive particular acclaim.

Clean and spacious facilityample parkingfast WiFi

A Gifted & Talented Child Development Academy INC.

4.9(20)

5023 North Shadeland Avenue, Indianapolis, IN

A GIFTED & TALENTED CHILD DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY INC. receives consistently high praise from parents. All reviews are 5-star ratings highlighting exceptional staff, particularly teachers Ms. Tamika, Ms. Dee Dee, Ms. Keisha, Mrs. Jenn, and Ms. Jazmyn. Parents report their children are excited to attend, experience strong academic growth, and benefit from a caring, nurturing environment that feels like family.

Highly attentive and hands-on teacherscaring and nurturing staffpositive and engaging learning environment

Cuddle Kiddies Childcare Academy

4.9(19)

777 East 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN

Cuddle Kiddies Childcare Academy receives consistently excellent reviews from parents who praise the caring staff, family-like atmosphere, and strong academic preparation. Children show notable developmental progress in academics, social skills, and confidence. Parents report high satisfaction with the facility's curriculum and staff professionalism.

Loving and attentive staffconsistent teachersstrong academic curriculum

Westside Little Wonders

5(11)

6321 La Pas Trail, Indianapolis, IN

Westside Little Wonders receives consistently high praise from parents for its professional, caring staff and school-like educational approach. Parents highlight the director's leadership, warm environment, and excellent communication throughout the day. Children show strong attachment to staff and developmental progress.

Professional and caring staffwarm and safe environmentstrong director leadership

Rising Stars Early Learning Center

5(11)

4240 N Franklin Rd Ste, #108, Indianapolis, IN

Rising Stars Early Learning Center receives consistently high praise from parents who describe the staff as caring, attentive, and nurturing. Parents highlight the welcoming environment, strong communication through daily updates, and the genuine bond between teachers and children. Multiple families report long-term enrollment spanning years, with children excited to attend daily.

Attentive and caring staffwelcoming environmentdaily photo/activity updates via app

Map

Child Daycare & Preschools in Indianapolis, Indiana

Indianapolis offers a robust selection of 280 childcare and preschool facilities, providing parents with diverse options to fit their specific needs. While the broader directory covers a wide area, the 46236 zip code stands out as a particularly strong neighborhood with consistently high satisfaction scores. Parents frequently highlight clean environments and safe spaces as the primary reasons their children enjoy attending these programs.

Based on Google reviews, daycares in Indianapolis have an average rating of 4.23 out of 5 across 225 rated facilities, with 48% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Church Daycare facilities lead with an average of 4.41 stars. Our analysis covers 2,334 parent reviews. Parents in Indianapolis most frequently praise daycares for clean facility, safe environment, and children enjoy attending.

When choosing a daycare in Indianapolis, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.

All Child Daycare & Preschools in Indianapolis

Showing 280 results

The Beth-El Zedeck Early Childhood Program
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

One parent highlights the program's ability to help a child with separation anxiety through caring teachers who know every student and authorized pickup person. Another review describes the facility as a welcoming spiritual home for a congregation, though it does not detail specific childcare services.

helps with separation anxietycaring teachersstaff knows children and authorized pickups
Address
600 West 70th Street, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 259-6854
Precious Moments Daycare Ministry
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Parents highlight a safe, clean, and nurturing environment with a strong emphasis on education and faith. Reviewers appreciate the teachers' individualized attention, modern security measures, and excellent communication through daily updates and photos. The convenient location and professional staff are also noted as significant benefits.

safe and clean environmentnurturing atmospherelearning-focused curriculum
Address
3642 North Emerson Avenue, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 549-8978
Perfected Child Care Ministry
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Perfected Child Care Ministry receives perfect 5-star ratings from parents who praise the staff's nurturing approach, clean facilities, and strong educational curriculum. Parents consistently report feeling confident leaving their children in the center's care and note significant developmental progress and school readiness. Multiple reviewers describe the staff as family-like and commend the facility's safety measures and communication with families.

Warm and nurturing staffclean and well-maintained facilitiesstrong educational curriculum
Address
8736 East 21st Street, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 890-0131
Fairview Early Childhood Program
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

One parent describes a nurturing experience for a child aged 1 to nearly 3, highlighting structured activities, outdoor play, and weekly art and music sessions. The reviewer emphasizes the close-knit community and attentive staff, noting specific details like lipstick on cheeks as evidence of care.

structured activitiesoutdoor explorationmusic time
Address
4609 North Capitol Avenue, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 253-4990
Precious Life Daycare Ministry Annex
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Parents highlight the facility as a welcoming, extended family environment where staff are friendly and attentive to children from infancy through early childhood. Reviewers appreciate the comprehensive meal service and the high quality of educational outcomes, such as reading readiness. One family notes the deep personal support provided by the staff, including emotional care during health crises.

friendly and attentive staffprovides breakfastlunch
Address
6202 Sunnyside Road, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 823-0537
East Tenth United Methodist Children And Youth Registered Ministry
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Reviewers describe the center as a close-knit family environment where staff are friendly and helpful to everyone. One long-time attendee notes personal nostalgia for the program, while others emphasize the deep commitment the staff show toward the children.

friendly staffhelpful environmentstrong sense of community
Address
2327 East 10th Street, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 637-0841
Mt. Zion'S Loving Day Care Ministry
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Mt. Zion's Loving Day Care Ministry receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the facility's cleanliness, professional and caring staff, and warm, safe atmosphere. Parents highlight the center's use of the Beka Curriculum, educational approach, and long-term quality of care that supports children's growth and development.

Clean facilityprofessional staffgenuinely caring staff
Address
4900 East 38th Street, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 549-1200
Emmanuel Preparatory Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

One parent who attended this center as a child describes it as a nice and wonderful place for children. They note that students are taken care of by good hands, encouraging others to enroll.

nice environmentwonderful for childrengood care
Address
4901 A. East 31st Street, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 546-0562
Wing Walkers-The Lilly Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Parents highlight the center's staff as passionate and caring, with one noting that teachers treat children as their own. Another review praises the overall atmosphere, citing supportive teachers, security, and administration.

passionate teachersstaff treat children like their owngreat security
Address
20 East Mccarty Street Dc0318, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 433-5100
The Early Learning Center At Winding Ridge
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
11845 46th Street, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 423-8217
Mt. Carmel Community Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
9610 East 42nd Street, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 890-2743
True Care Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

One parent expresses strong satisfaction with the program, simply stating that they love it. This single positive endorsement highlights a high level of enthusiasm for the center.

Love for the program
Address
4233 North Emerson Avenue, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 549-2844
St. Mary'S Child Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

One parent describes the center as having an amazing leadership team and a safe location where their daughter enjoys waking up to see her teachers and classmates. The reviewer highlights that the staff provides great care through fun learning activities and gifts, while also supporting families in need. The few reviews so far mention positive impacts on the child and a strong sense of community within the program.

amazing leadership teamgreat staffsafe location
Address
901 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 635-1491
Day Early Learning For Infants And Toddlers
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

One parent highlights that staff are very good with all children, noting they feel safe leaving their two-year-old twins there and appreciate the helpful resources. The second review is too brief to determine specific feedback.

staff are good with all kidsparents feel safehelpful resources
Address
1030 W 16th Street, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 550-3967
Day Early Learning At Phalen Leadership Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

One parent expresses strong satisfaction with the staff and their child's enjoyment, though they note a minor operational delay regarding staff availability at the door. The feedback highlights a positive experience despite initial skepticism about childcare arrangements.

staff responsivenesschild's enjoyment of teacherspositive parent sentiment
Address
2323 N Illinois, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 333-6980
Maria Montessori
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Parents highlight the program's success in fostering independence, academic advancement, and self-confidence through a nurturing, individualized Montessori approach. While the curriculum and dedicated staff receive high praise, one reviewer noted disappointment regarding unexpected closures.

Individualized attentiondevelopment of independence and self-confidenceacademic advancement
Address
7507-A North Michigan Road, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 291-5559
Moore'S Montessori Ministry
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
7206 East 38th Street, Ste A, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 377-1312
The Learning Ladder Childcare Ministry INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

One parent describes the staff as wonderful, professional, and kind, while another highlights the facility as a 'diamond in the rough' despite its location. A third review notes multi-generational attendance with high satisfaction, and a fourth simply labels it the best daycare ever.

caring and attentive staffsafe and clean environmentengaging educational activities
Address
6028 East 21st Street, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 384-1716
Harmony House Christian Childcare
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

One parent describes the staff as excellent, warm, and loving, noting significant maturity gains in their son since enrollment in March. This single review highlights a highly positive experience with the childcare providers.

excellent providerswarm staffloving toward kids
Address
3107 West 10th Street, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 822-9771
Angel Heart II Child Care Ministry
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

One parent highlights the facility's cleanliness, welcoming atmosphere, and appealing food, while another notes the staff's friendliness and the owner's involvement over a multi-year enrollment. A third review mentions a long-standing positive relationship with the center.

cleanlinesswarm and welcoming atmospheregood food
Address
4807 East 38th Street, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 602-3754
First Class Learning Ministry INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
2141 East 52nd Street, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 986-6995
Westside Little Wonders
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Westside Little Wonders receives consistently high praise from parents for its professional, caring staff and school-like educational approach. Parents highlight the director's leadership, warm environment, and excellent communication throughout the day. Children show strong attachment to staff and developmental progress.

Professional and caring staffwarm and safe environmentstrong director leadership
Address
6321 La Pas Trail, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 634-9060
Little Blessings Child Care Ministry
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

One parent highlights Ms. Heather and the staff as wonderful, describing them as a blessing.

Ms. Heatherwonderful staff
Address
1058 North Miley, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 638-7988
Little People'S Play & Learn Childcare Ministry
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

One parent reports that their children are well cared for by Brandy and her staff, who demonstrate genuine affection for the kids. The review highlights a phenomenal education curriculum and expresses high satisfaction with the center-based care.

caring and loving staffstrong education curriculumcomfortable environment
Address
2126 North Mitthoeffer Road, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 938-4841
Tweety Bird Child Care Ministry
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

One parent describes TWEETY BIRD CHILD CARE MINISTRY as a great place for children to learn and receive excellent care. The single review highlights a positive experience with the facility's educational and caregiving environment.

learning opportunitieshigh quality of care
Address
366 Washington Pointe Drive,Ste. 350, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 658-5187
Wee Care Early Learning Ministry
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
2650 South Villa Avenue, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 787-9378
Welcome Place Child Care
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
7525 Mcfarland Boulevard, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 534-2979
Rising Stars Early Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Rising Stars Early Learning Center receives consistently high praise from parents who describe the staff as caring, attentive, and nurturing. Parents highlight the welcoming environment, strong communication through daily updates, and the genuine bond between teachers and children. Multiple families report long-term enrollment spanning years, with children excited to attend daily.

Attentive and caring staffwelcoming environmentdaily photo/activity updates via app
Address
4240 N Franklin Rd Ste, #108, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 739-1577
Children'S Village
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Children's Village receives consistently high praise from parents for its caring and attentive staff, safe environment, and positive impact on children's development and social skills. Parents describe it as a welcoming second home where their children thrive, with particular appreciation for the facility's security measures and indoor play areas.

Caring and kind staffsafe and secure environmentpositive social development
Address
5555 Galeao Court, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 821-9000
Humble Beginnings Childcare
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
4903 South High School Road, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 455-9016

Page 1 of 10· 280 results

Frequently asked questions

There are 280 child daycare & preschools daycares in Indianapolis, Indiana, out of 346 total childcare facilities in the city. Browse our directory to compare options and find the right fit for your child.
Based on parent reviews, daycares in Indianapolis have an average Google rating of 4.23 out of 5 across 225 rated facilities. About 48% of rated daycares score 4.5 stars or higher.
When choosing a daycare in Indianapolis, consider visiting facilities in person and checking:
  • Licensing status with Indiana's regulatory agency
  • Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in Indiana)
  • Safety measures and cleanliness
  • Daily routines and educational curriculum
  • Parent reviews and ratings
  • Location and hours that fit your schedule
Indianapolis offers several types of childcare facilities:
  • Child Daycare & Preschools — 280 facilities
  • Headstart Programs — 9 facilities
  • Church Daycare — 16 facilities
  • Before or After School Daycare — 41 facilities
Each type serves different needs — center-based facilities typically offer structured programs, while head start programs are federally funded for low-income families.
Daycare costs in Indiana typically range from $200 to $400 per week for full-time care, depending on the child's age, facility type, and location within the state. Infant care tends to be more expensive due to lower staff-to-child ratio requirements. Contact individual facilities in Indianapolis for current pricing.
Yes, daycare centers in Indianapolis must be licensed by Indiana's childcare licensing agency. Licensed facilities are required to meet standards for safety, health, staff qualifications, and staff-to-child ratios. You can verify a facility's license status through your state's licensing database.
Yes, the 46236 zip code is currently the best-rated area, averaging 4.83 stars across its 10 listed facilities.
We have analyzed 1,961 parent reviews across 180 of the 280 total facilities to help you make an informed decision.
Reviewers consistently mention clean facilities, safe environments, and whether children enjoy attending as the key factors in their choice.