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

Angels Of Hope Ministry
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.5

Angels of Hope Ministry receives highly polarized reviews. Most parents praise the caring staff, educational environment, and reasonable pricing, particularly for cash-paying families. However, several negative reviews cite facility concerns including poor conditions, inadequate supervision, lack of professionalism, and scheduling/communication issues.

Caring and trustworthy staffeducational environmentaffordable pricing
Address
5040 East Thompson Road, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 786-4673
Kiddie Kollege
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.4

One parent reports insufficient supervision, noting that many children were outside with only one adult. Another reviewer strongly advises against using this facility, emphasizing concerns about child safety.

None mentioned
Address
1928 North Rural, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 423-0688
Day Early Learning State Government Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.4

Day Early Learning State Government Center receives polarized reviews. Three parents report excellent experiences with caring staff, quick child adjustment, healthy meals, and strong communication. Three parents report serious concerns including dismissive and rude management, inappropriate staff behavior toward children, unresolved safety issues, and lack of responsiveness to parental concerns.

Caring and nurturing staffquick child adjustmenthealthy balanced mea
Address
100 North Senate N150, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 233-1776
Academy Of Learning Greenwood LLC
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.4

Academy of Learning Greenwood receives mixed reviews with strong praise from satisfied long-term families but serious concerns from others. Multiple parents highlight flexible hours, affordable pricing, caring staff, and good learning activities, while several report concerning behavior from leadership and staff toward children.

Flexible hours of operationaffordable pricing ($200/week)caring and qualified staff
Address
8830 Southpointe Drive, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 882-3988
Pride Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.3

Pride Academy receives mostly positive reviews praising friendly, caring staff, clean facilities, and quality educational programming. However, two negative reviews cite understaffing concerns and alleged unprofessional conduct, including claims of discriminatory treatment.

Friendly and professional staffclean and organized facilityquality curriculum and academic support
Address
5615 West 22nd Street, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 373-5183
Pride Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.3

Pride Academy receives mostly positive feedback, with parents praising the friendly and professional staff, clean facilities, and educational programming. However, two negative reviews raise concerns about understaffing in infant rooms, inconsistent policies, and potential discrimination issues.

Friendly and professional staffclean and organized facilitiesstrong curriculum and academic support
Address
5570 Crawfordsville Road, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 373-5183
Early Learning Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.2

Parents consistently praise Children's Courtyard (formerly Early Learning Academy) for exceptional staff care and attention to children. Multiple reviewers highlight the welcoming environment, engaging activities, and strong teacher-child relationships that help children feel secure and excited about attending. The recent transition to Children's Courtyard ownership is noted as bringing positive improvements to the facility.

Caring and attentive staffwelcoming environmentstrong teacher-child relationships
Address
5909 Technology Center, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 873-3340
Rainbow Child Care Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.2

Rainbow Child Care Center has highly polarized reviews ranging from 5 stars to 1 star. Positive reviews praise the caring staff and daily activities, while negative reviews cite safety concerns including unexplained bruises, inadequate supervision, rough handling by staff, poor communication from management, and health/hygiene issues.

Caring and nurturing staffdaily activities and photos shared with parentsclean facility
Address
8020 Nuckols Lane, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 881-7800
Safecare Development Childcare Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.2

While one parent highlights the loving atmosphere and overall quality, another reports significant issues with the infant program and director, citing staff incompetence and poor communication. This second reviewer specifically warns against enrolling infants due to inadequate care and administrative conflicts.

loving staffsweet directorpure love atmosphere
Address
5935 E 27th St, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 545-2323
Education Depot Of Washington Pointe
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.1

One parent highlights the facility's security, updated environment, and professional, friendly staff, while another appreciates the diverse and communicative teachers. Conversely, other parents report serious safety concerns regarding illegal activities and camera tampering, alongside complaints about poor professionalism and inconsistent communication.

secure and safe environmentupdated facilitiesprofessional and friendly staff
Address
161 N Washington Pointe Dr, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 981-5759
Kiddie Garden Learning Academy Ltd
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.1

Parents highlight significant developmental benefits for their children, noting improvements in speech and school readiness. Reviewers also appreciate the staff's kindness, creativity, and commitment to cleanliness, with some willing to travel extra miles for the quality of care.

speech developmentschool readinessclean environment
Address
6060 North Michigan Road, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 820-5849
I.U.P.U.I. Center For Young Children
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.1

One parent highlights a wonderful STEM preschool program, while another describes a nightmare enrollment experience involving rude staff and billing fraud, and a third notes great teachers but problematic administrative support. The few reviews so far mention significant issues with staff professionalism, billing accuracy, and enrollment procedures.

STEM preschool programgreat teachers
Address
321 Limestone Street, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 274-3508
Oic Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
3

Parent feedback for OIC Child Development Center is sharply divided, with one reviewer highlighting exceptional speech and pathology services while another reports a hostile experience regarding staff behavior. The positive review praises the therapeutic outcomes and staff compassion, whereas the negative review cites rude interactions and body shaming by a doctor.

imaginative staffcompassionate therapyprofessional accommodation
Address
1308 South Riley Place, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 353-6207
Precious Hearts Of Solid Rock
Child Daycare & Preschools
3

One parent reports a positive experience with affordable pricing, flexible hours, and school transportation, noting that their children enjoy the environment and staff. In contrast, another parent describes serious safety failures, including unprovoked bites and burns, alongside allegations of staff unprofessionalism and document tampering.

affordable pricesflexible hoursschool transportation
Address
2598 North Arlington Avenue, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 735-1629
Kidz Luv Early Learning Ministry
Child Daycare & Preschools
3
Address
4118 North Sheridan Avenue, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 547-7323
Tots R Us Daycare Ministries INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
3

One parent describes a terrible experience with a provider displaying a bad attitude, while another review notes that staff were very rude.

Address
3709 North Shadeland Avenue,Stes A B C, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 542-0028
Dell'S Caring Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
3
Address
4635 West 30th St, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 291-7867
Lakeview Childcare & Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
3
Address
47 Beachway Drive, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 390-0444
Kidz Luv Early Learning Ministry INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
3
Address
3651 North Denny Street, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 547-7323
Tots R Us Daycare Ministries INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
3
Address
3709 North Shadeland Avenue,Stes G & H, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 542-0028
Sparkle Touch Learning Ministry INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
2.6

Feedback for Sparkle Touch Learning Ministry is sharply divided, with one parent expressing deep satisfaction with the curriculum and family-like atmosphere, while others report significant issues regarding staff conduct and facility conditions. Critics highlight unprofessional management, including rude interactions with staff and parents, poor communication, and a cluttered environment, whereas a positive review notes the center's educational and life skills focus.

curriculum-based childcareeducational activitieslife skill activities
Address
1065 North Post Road, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 429-9886
Kidscape #2
Child Daycare & Preschools
2.6

Kidscape #2 receives mixed reviews with most parents praising staff care, cleanliness, and learning environment, while a minority report serious concerns about management professionalism, communication, staffing levels, and facility cleanliness. Long-term parents express high satisfaction, but some recent families had negative experiences with administrative staff.

Staff is caring and nurturingclean facilitiesgood learning environment
Address
8061 Knue Road, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 849-6958
Fervent Care Child Care Ministry #2
Child Daycare & Preschools
2.4

Parents report significant staffing issues, including understaffing, untrained or physically unfit employees, and inadequate supervision. Specific complaints target the director for rudeness, unprofessionalism, and alleged irregularities such as falsifying attendance records. Reviewers also cite poor hygiene, hunger, and unreliable before/aftercare arrangements as reasons for seeking alternative care.

One parent appreciates a specific teacher who cared for their child previously
Address
10512 East 38th Street, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 898-2751
Fervent Care Child Care Ministry #3
Child Daycare & Preschools
2.4

The few reviews so far describe severe staffing issues, including under-staffing and untrained or unfit employees, alongside complaints about the director's rude and unprofessional behavior. Parents report operational failures such as unreliable before-and-aftercare coordination and poor attention to basic child needs like nutrition and hygiene.

One parent appreciates a specific teacher who previously cared for their child
Address
10512-C East 38th Street, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 898-2751
Ymca Early Learning Center At Red Maple Grove
Child Daycare & Preschools
2.4

This daycare center has mixed reviews with significant concerns about management, facility maintenance, and the surrounding community environment. While a few parents report positive experiences with cleanliness and facilities, the majority express serious dissatisfaction with management changes, maintenance issues, and behavioral problems among children in the area.

Clean facilitiesnice community settingsome parents report no issues after extended stays
Address
2901 Tabor Street, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 549-9622
Leading Footsteps Childcare Ministry
Child Daycare & Preschools
2.3

This listing appears to be for an apartment complex, not a daycare center. The reviews reflect tenant experiences with housing conditions, management communication, and rental practices rather than childcare services.

Spacious unitsaffordable rent (historically)some staff members noted as professional
Address
4514 Candletree Circle, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 731-3269
Purpose Of Life Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
2.3

Feedback is sharply divided, with one parent praising the environment as clean and peaceful, while others report serious safety and hygiene concerns. Several reviewers allege rude staff, restricted parent access, and specific health issues affecting children, including bruises, styes, pink eye, and full diapers.

clean environmentpeaceful atmosphere
Address
3705 Kessler Boulevard North Drive, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 925-0335
Little Steps Childcare INC
Child Daycare & Preschools
1
Address
9425 E 30th St, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 897-1114
Small Miracles Children'S Center INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
1

One parent reports a highly unprofessional interaction with the infant house director, citing a safety concern where their baby was placed in a seat exceeding the weight limit for their age. The reviewer also details aggressive phone behavior, including repeated calls and a hung-up call, along with allegations of staff inappropriately using phones for social media while on duty.

Address
3611 South Ferguson Road, Bldg. B, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 862-3014
Early Leader Child Care Ministries INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
1
Address
3702 North Post Road, Indianapolis, IN
Phone
(317) 702-2681

Page 6 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.