How do I choose the right daycare in Indianapolis?

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

What types of daycare are available in Indianapolis?

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.

Headstart Programs in Indianapolis, Indiana (9 Results)

Q: What is the average cost of daycare in Indiana?

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.

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.

Enriched Before And After School Program

4.76 score

5(16)

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

Perfected Child Care Ministry

4.74 score

5(14)

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

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

A Gifted & Talented Child Development Academy INC.

4.72 score

4.9(20)

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

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

Cuddle Kiddies Childcare Academy

4.71 score

4.9(19)

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

St. Nicholas Early Learning INC.

4.71 score

4.9(19)

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

Westside Little Wonders

4.69 score

5(11)

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

Rising Stars Early Learning Center

4.69 score

5(11)

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

Rising Star Childcare Academy INC.

4.69 score

5(11)

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

Headstart Programs in Indianapolis, Indiana

There are 9 headstart programs in Indianapolis, Indiana, making up 3% of the 346 total childcare facilities in the city. Below you'll find a complete directory to help you compare and choose the right daycare for your child.

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.

Frequently asked questions

There are 9 headstart programs 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.

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.

9 Headstart Programs in Indianapolis, Indiana

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Indianapolis

Top Rated

Southwest - Head Start Center

Goodwin - Head Start Center

Cafe - Head Start

Southeast - Head Start

Windsor Village West Head Start And Early Head Start Center

Windsor Village East Head Start Center

Map

Daycare types in Indianapolis

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