IU Indianapolis Center for Young Children
The Indiana University Indianapolis Center for Young Children partners with families to provide a nurturing, play-based environment for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Experienced, degreed teachers support each child’s social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and language development. Year-round programs encourage confidence, independence, and curiosity.
Q&A with IU Indianapolis Center for Young Children
What makes the Center for Young Children unique?
The Center for Young Children combines play-based early learning with the resources of a university setting. It serves IU Indianapolis and the wider Indianapolis community, and also provides a training and observation site for future educators. The center offers a STEM-focused preschool option for ages 4–5.
What ages and grade levels does the Center for Young Children serve?
We offer year-round programs for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years:
- Infant/Toddler
- Wee-School (age 2)
- Multi-Age (ages 3–5)
- STEM (ages 4–5)
What is the enrollment process, and are there any key dates families should know?
Families submit an enrollment application, and when a spot is offered, families attend a play date, complete required enrollment and health forms, pay applicable fees, and sign a one-year contract. Enrollment depends on availability. The CYC has open enrollment.
Does the Center for Young Children offer financial assistance?
The center accepts Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) and On My Way Pre-K vouchers for eligible families.
What are the standard school day hours, and does the Center for Young Children offer flexible schedules or before- and after-school care?
The center is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m., with 9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. as core educational hours.
Does the Center for Young Children offer support for children with special needs?
The center strives to provide an inclusive environment and works with families to identify appropriate accommodations. Families are asked to share a child’s IEP or IFSP, if applicable. The center makes efforts to accommodate children who can be supported in a group setting.
What enrichment programs and activities does the Center for Young Children offer?
Activities vary by age and classroom and include play-based learning, art, music and movement, stories, outdoor play, and hands-on exploration. Multi-Age and STEM children take field trips. STEM students explore through investigations, experiments, technology, and collaborations with IU Indianapolis STEM departments.
Some enrichment offerings include:
- Soccer Shots
- Techie Tigers
- Tumbling Tigers
- Couching Tigers
- Learn to Swim at the IU Natatorium
What are the Center for Young Children’s safety policies?
The center is state-licensed and follows Indiana childcare regulations. There are sign-in and sign-out procedures, authorized-pickup checks, active supervision, health and medication policies, emergency plans and drills, and background screenings for employees. Staff are trained in pediatric CPR and first aid.
What is the Center for Young Children’s educational philosophy?
Our approach is child-centered, relationship-based, and play-based. Children learn through play, hands-on experiences, exploration, and interactions with peers and trusted adults. Teachers plan responsive activities that support children’s development and encourage independence, collaboration, and discovery.
How many children are in each class, and how are they grouped?
Children are grouped by program and age: Infant/Toddler, Wee-School (age 2), Multi-Age (ages 3–5), and STEM (ages 4–5).
- Infant classrooms have up to 12 children under 18 months.
- Multi-Age classrooms have 20 children.
- STEM classrooms have up to 24.
What is the teacher-to-child ratio?
Our ratios are:
- 1:5 for children under age 3
- 1:10 for 3-year-olds
- 1:12 for children ages 4–5
What are the teachers’ credentials?
Teaching staff hold post-secondary degrees in education and/or early childhood education. Credentials and experience vary by teacher; the center’s teacher biographies provide individual details. STEM teachers receive early childhood STEM training.
Is parent participation required?
We encourage family-teacher communication and partnership. Parent participation may be needed for specific activities, such as attending a field trip.
How do teachers communicate with families, and how often do they send updates?
Teachers share information through the Brightwheel website or app, which families are asked to check daily. Each classroom sends a monthly newsletter, and the director sends a monthly center-wide newsletter. Lead teachers also communicate by email.
How much time do children spend outside?
Children have daily outdoor play, up to 60 minutes, weather permitting.
Are meals or snacks provided?
Yes, catered meals and snacks are provided, and menus are posted weekly.
Do children need to be potty-trained?
Children do not need to be potty-trained to begin in Wee-School; teachers partner with families on toilet learning. Children must be fully toilet-trained before moving into the Multi-Age or STEM classrooms.
What opportunities do children have to explore STEM?
Children ages 4–5 may be eligible for the STEM program, which uses hands-on investigations and projects to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The program also includes art, reading, writing, play, and learning experiences with IU Indianapolis STEM collaborators.
Who should families contact for more information about the Center for Young Children?
Families can call (317) 274-3508 to ask questions or schedule a visit. The website lists tours by appointment Tuesday through Thursday, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
Families also look at
Pathways Learning Academy
STEAM-focused preschool and pre-K for 6 weeks to 12 years, in Carmel and Indianapolis.
DeVeau’s Active Academy Preschool
Play-based preschool with a hands-on STEM curriculum, 3 to 5 days a week in Fishers.
Beech Tree House Center for Child Development, Inc.
Infant through school-age care plus Curtis Wilson Primary School on the south side, open 6 a.m.