Best Headstart Programs in Indianapolis, IN
Compare 9 headstart programs 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
- 9
- Avg rating
- 4.23/5
- Parent reviews
- 2,334
- Top rated (4.5+)
- 107
Indianapolis has 9 licensed headstart programs 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.
- 1Enriched Before And After School Program4.76 score5(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 - 2Perfected Child Care Ministry4.74 score5(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 - 3The Neighborhood4.72 score4.9(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 - 4A Gifted & Talented Child Development Academy INC.4.72 score4.9(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 - 5Primrose School Of Geist4.72 score4.9(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 - 6Cuddle Kiddies Childcare Academy4.71 score4.9(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 - 7St. Nicholas Early Learning INC.4.71 score4.9(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 - 8Westside Little Wonders4.69 score5(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 - 9Rising Stars Early Learning Center4.69 score5(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 - 10Rising Star Childcare Academy INC.4.69 score5(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
Rating Distribution
Based on 225 daycares with Google ratings in Indianapolis
What Parents Value Most
Top qualities mentioned across 2,334 reviews, analyzed by AI
Daycare Types Compared
Average ratings by facility type in Indianapolis, based on parent reviews
Best Rated Neighborhoods
Indianapolis zip codes ranked by average daycare rating
| Zip Code | Daycares | Avg. Rating | Top Rated | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 46236 | 13 | 4.84 | 5 | |
| 46240 | 7 | 4.7 | 4 | |
| 46268 | 13 | 4.66 | 7 | |
| 46208 | 11 | 4.56 | 7 | |
| 46260 | 12 | 4.47 | 5 | |
| 46219 | 22 | 4.47 | 11 | |
| 46241 | 6 | 4.46 | 2 | |
| 46220 | 18 | 4.34 | 4 | |
| 46234 | 6 | 4.33 | 2 | |
| 46202 | 6 | 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
Southwest - Head Start Center
1130 South Kappes Street, Indianapolis, IN
Southwest Head Start Center receives mostly positive reviews (5/5 ratings) with parents praising the educational curriculum, bilingual instruction (Spanish and ASL), caring staff, and structured daily routines. However, some parents report organizational issues, staff turnover, and challenges with the application process.
Goodwin - Head Start Center
3935 Mooresville Road, Indianapolis, IN
Parents highly praise Goodwin Head Start Center for its caring and loving staff, with particular recognition of teachers like Ms. Amanda and director Ms. Jessica Ashmore. Children are reported to enjoy attending daily, and parents appreciate the security measures and educational support provided. One review indicates the facility may be closed.
Cafe - Head Start
8902 East 38th Street, Indianapolis, IN
One parent describes the experience as excellent, while another reports significant administrative issues, stating that the center never calls applicants and has left them waiting since October. The few reviews so far highlight a stark contrast between positive sentiment and severe communication failures.
Southeast - Head Start
4024 Madison Avenue, Indianapolis, IN
One parent reports excellent preparation for kindergarten and effective teaching, while another describes a severely negative experience characterized by rude administration and alleged racial bias.
Windsor Village West Head Start And Early Head Start Center
5950 East 23rd Street, Indianapolis, IN
One parent describes the staff as nice and respectful, creating a family-like atmosphere, while another criticizes inconsistent operating hours and strict late-pickup policies. A third reviewer expresses frustration over a year-long waitlist and poor administrative service.
Windsor Village East Head Start Center
5950 (A) E 23rd St, Indianapolis, IN
One parent highlights the staff as nice and respectful, describing the center as a second family, while another criticizes inconsistent operating hours and strict late pickup policies. A third reviewer expresses frustration with a year-long waitlist process.
Map
Daycare types in Indianapolis
Browse by type in Indianapolis
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.
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 Headstart Programs in Indianapolis
Showing 9 results
Southwest Head Start Center receives mostly positive reviews (5/5 ratings) with parents praising the educational curriculum, bilingual instruction (Spanish and ASL), caring staff, and structured daily routines. However, some parents report organizational issues, staff turnover, and challenges with the application process.
- Address
- 1130 South Kappes Street, Indianapolis, IN
- Phone
- (317) 803-9576
One parent describes the experience as excellent, while another reports significant administrative issues, stating that the center never calls applicants and has left them waiting since October. The few reviews so far highlight a stark contrast between positive sentiment and severe communication failures.
- Address
- 8902 East 38th Street, Indianapolis, IN
- Phone
- (317) 803-9607
Parents highly praise Goodwin Head Start Center for its caring and loving staff, with particular recognition of teachers like Ms. Amanda and director Ms. Jessica Ashmore. Children are reported to enjoy attending daily, and parents appreciate the security measures and educational support provided. One review indicates the facility may be closed.
- Address
- 3935 Mooresville Road, Indianapolis, IN
- Phone
- (317) 472-6900
One parent reports excellent preparation for kindergarten and effective teaching, while another describes a severely negative experience characterized by rude administration and alleged racial bias.
- Address
- 4024 Madison Avenue, Indianapolis, IN
- Phone
- (317) 803-9480
One parent describes the staff as nice and respectful, creating a family-like atmosphere, while another criticizes inconsistent operating hours and strict late-pickup policies. A third reviewer expresses frustration over a year-long waitlist and poor administrative service.
- Address
- 5950 East 23rd Street, Indianapolis, IN
- Phone
- (317) 803-4654
One parent highlights the staff as nice and respectful, describing the center as a second family, while another criticizes inconsistent operating hours and strict late pickup policies. A third reviewer expresses frustration with a year-long waitlist process.
- Address
- 5950 (A) E 23rd St, Indianapolis, IN
- Phone
- (317) 803-4654
One parent highlights positive teacher interactions and significant learning outcomes, while another long-term family praises the center's enduring presence across multiple children. However, a separate review strongly criticizes the lack of field trips and graduation ceremonies, questioning the use of government funding.
- Address
- 1010 North Temple Avenue, Indianapolis, IN
- Phone
- (317) 803-9583
SERVICE CENTER 2 - HEAD START CENTER receives mixed reviews. Three parents praised the school's academic support and quality, particularly noting improvement in reading skills. However, one parent reported persistent communication issues, including unanswered calls and voicemails.
- Address
- 3637 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN
- Phone
- (317) 803-3804
Feedback for Southeast Early Head Start is sharply divided, with one parent highlighting successful kindergarten preparation and another describing an abusive and discriminatory environment. While one reviewer praises the teaching quality, a contrasting review details severe issues with communication and leadership conduct.
- Address
- 933 East Hanna Ave, Indianapolis, IN
- Phone
- (317) 803-9480
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Frequently asked questions
- 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
- Child Daycare & Preschools — 280 facilities
- Headstart Programs — 9 facilities
- Church Daycare — 16 facilities
- Before or After School Daycare — 41 facilities