Families looking for child care in downtown Indianapolis may want to take a closer look at the IU Indianapolis Center for Young Children, which is now accepting enrollment applications for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years.
Open to both IU Indianapolis families and the broader Indianapolis community, the center offers year-round care with a strong focus on early childhood development. For families looking for more than traditional child care, the Center for Young Children combines a nurturing environment with intentional, play-based learning designed to support growth during the early years.
A development-focused approach to early learning
The Center for Young Children has served families since 1979. Its approach is built around how young children learn best: through play, relationships, hands-on exploration, and developmentally appropriate experiences.
Teachers create classroom experiences using Indiana’s Early Learning Foundations framework, helping children build skills in language and literacy, math, science, social-emotional learning, social studies, the arts, and physical development. This play-based approach supports early learning in ways that feel natural and engaging for young children.
Most teaching staff hold post-secondary degrees in education and/or early childhood education, and the center emphasizes strong teacher-family partnerships to support children both in the classroom and at home.
The center includes 14 classrooms and two outdoor play areas with age-appropriate equipment, giving children space to move, explore, and learn throughout the day.
Programs by Age and Stage
Families can choose from several classroom options based on their child’s age and developmental stage, including:
- Infant and toddler care
- Wee-School for age 2
- Multi-Age classrooms for ages 3 to 5
- STEM Pre-K for ages 4 and 5
More details are available on the Center for Young Children programs page.
For older preschoolers, STEM Pre-K adds more structured STEM-focused learning. These classrooms may also include guest instructors or collaborators from IU Indianapolis STEM departments, creating additional opportunities for curiosity, discovery, and problem-solving.
Enrichment Opportunities Beyond the Classroom
In addition to the core program, families can choose from enrichment opportunities that add variety to children’s days and support physical development and confidence. Options may include; but are not limited to:
- Crouching Tigers
- Tumbling Tigers
- Swim lessons at the IU Natatorium
These opportunities give children additional ways to explore new activities, build skills, and grow in confidence.
Enrollment and Family Support
Families interested in child care or preschool options can find application details and next steps on the enrollment page. Within each age group, applications are prioritized in the following order:
- Sibling families
- IU Indianapolis employees, students, and faculty
- General public
Within each group, the waitlist is prioritized by the date of the paid application. Enrollment applications are valid for 1 year and may be renewed for an additional fee.
The center is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and follows the IU holiday calendar.
It is a state-licensed facility that participates at Level 3 in Indiana’s Paths to Quality system and accepts Child Care and Development Fund and On My Way Pre-K vouchers.
Meals can be adapted with medical documentation through campus dining alternative meal plans, and the facility is nut-free.
The center also shares support resources with families. Information from campus and community organizations is available through a resource display in the main lobby.
Learn More and Schedule a Tour
Families can learn more, ask questions, or schedule a tour through the Center for Young Children contact page.
They can also follow the center on social media for updates and a closer look at daily life:
- Instagram: @iuicyc
- Facebook: Center for Young Children
For families considering early childhood education and care in downtown Indianapolis, the IU Indianapolis Center for Young Children offers a play-based, development-focused environment designed to support children’s learning, confidence, and growth from the very beginning.
