Our son just graduated from the STEM Pre-K program at CYC this past year. We were never less than…read morepleased with the quality of his care. His lead and assistant teachers were consistent throughout the year (no constant turnover and drama like we experienced at his previous center). The classrooms were spacious and well-equipped, and also serves as an instructional center for IUPUI students studying early education. We especially liked the STEM program as the class progressed through multi-week thematic units based on the children's current interests (e.g. simple machines, dinosaurs, castles, camping). Students use a blend of technology and tactile materials and toys, and our son was even able to read and comprehend short stories before leaving for kindergarten. There are a number of ways for parents to get involved as the classrooms go on numerous field trips and the center hosts family events and open houses. Class updates and pictures are provided via the Tadpoles app throughout the week. Parent conferences are held twice a year. The center is professionally managed by IUPUI and a friendly, new, hands-on director was just hired in spring of 2019. We would recommend the center to anyone working, studying, or living in the downtown area.

Center for Young Children Best preschool ever!read more

I would give this daycare zero stars if I could. I brought my 15 mo old son to this daycare for 2…read moredays as part of the drop-in option because I was traveling to Indianapolis for work. They are completely understaffed, in violation of the 5:1 ratio I was told they adhere to. And they had my 15 mo toddler in with the 2-3 year olds most of the time despite me being told when I booked that they had a separate toddler room and teacher. The second day I dropped him at 8:30 and there were 2 teachers for about 15 children total, all ages, not separated at all. Even though there are cameras, they were often out of view or not in the room. They were unresponsive to my messages on the app trying to check in. The food that was given was all processed garbage and I'm pretty sure my son didn't eat any of it either day. There were barely any toys in the 2-3s room and being understaffed with different ages, there's no way they were following the curriculum I was told they would be. The director was nowhere to be found either day and was sending all calls made from the main office line directly to voice mail when I was unable to get set up on the app by her AD on the first day. During drop-off and pick-up I observed older children being yelled at repeatedly and a few crying by themselves in corners with no adult comforting them or even checking on them. I cried dropping my son off both days but was stuck with no alternative childcare while out of town. What broke my heart was picking my son up around 2:30 pm on day two and he was just sitting in a chair clutching a teddy I had brought with him, just crying with no teacher paying attention to him at all, with a gross Kraft singles cheese slice sitting on the table in front of him. He was filthy and started sobbing when he saw me. I'm lucky my son didn't get hurt being put in with older children. He seems to have finally mostly recovered from the traumatic experience but for a week and a half after was having issues at my normal daycare at home in CT that he normally loves. I am STILL waiting on a call back from the district manager from when I called a week ago to voice my concerns. No one seems to care which is incredibly sad and disappointing. Do not bring your child here.

If I could give zero stars I would. The staff is beyond rude, my kids come home with wounds and…read moreswollen eyes (from excessive crying) not worth a single penny. Look elsewhere they overload their teachers and your kid will not get the minimum amount of attention they require.

The staff here are very unprofessional! My child went here for a short while and I pulled her…read morebecause of the alarming things I saw and heard. The cook is the worst and the director looks like she is on drugs. Her whole family works there and they are the most unprofessional, dirty people I have ever seen working in childcare. please don't take your kids here. I don't know how it's still open!

I honestly wouldn't give Quality a single star. On February 22 the director Shannon Hoffman…read moreassaulted my 8 year old son who has a physical disability due to a brain tumor having to be removed. Yanking him by the arms and yelling at him in front of countless children. I had a student tell me she slapped him in the face and grabbed his jaw. She was also seen and heard by me his mother yelling and being harsh to him. I did file a police report on her. I would not recommend your child to go here as I feel all children are at risk for abuse from this women.

this school is not good, i wouldn't recommend sending your kids here they curse kid out, serve cold…read morefood, touch them, and lie abusing their authority.

the school has no heat and still makes the students and staff attend each school day in negative…read moreweather . The staff calls children out if there name an has no clue how to actually teach . They let students catch chromebook's , bathroom trash cans and other things in the bathroom on fire . The building is falling apart to the point where some off the class rooms are closed meaning they have less space to put kids leading to them having to put extra kids in classes making it harder on students to learn . They let kids fight . They don't break it up or nothing they just stand there and watch . i personally think they need shut down . These children do not deserve this treatment.

My Daughter has been here going on 2 yrs now, and we love Goddard, she has grown by leaps & bounds…read more The teachers are very hands on and communicative with the children and parents alike, everyone is so great!

From the owner: At The Goddard School located in Indianapolis (Southport), we're more than just a daycare. The…read moreGoddard School is a private preschool, offering childcare to infants and toddlers to pre-k. Our programs are designed to nurture each child's curiosity in a safe and caring environment.

Where do I even begin with Meridian Hills Cooperative? My family and I love this little school so…read moremuch. This is going to sound overly dramatic, but it aint no lie: Enrolling my child into this school has probably been one of the best decisions I've made since moving to Indiana. We just finished the 4s class, which was our first foray into any type of schooling. Meridian Hills Cooperative is play-based, which means that the kids learn through exploring, building, creating, moving their bodies, and just plain being kids. The teachers do not push the kids to do anything (as in, they aren't receiving formal lessons in the 4s class) -- instead, the teacher invites each child to participate, and lets them join in whenever they feel comfortable. Each child is valued for whatever stage they're at in life. Similarly, each type of personality -- from super shy guys to boisterous kids to everything in between -- is cherished and respected. A huge plus about the school is that they value playing outdoors. They will tell you straight up when you go for a tour: We play outside in all types of weather! The only time the kids won't play outside is if the weather is dangerous, such as during thunderstorms, or if the windchill is in the single digits. Otherwise, kids bring their snow clothes, rain boots and other outdoor gear because they know they'll be playing outside, rain or shine! Meridian Hills Cooperative is a co-op, which means that parents participate in the classes on a rotating basis. I love this aspect of the school because you really get to know your child's classmates, and in turn, the other parents really get to know YOUR child very well. It's very much like an extended family, with everyone invested in each other's well being. One of the most unique aspects of Meridian Hills is the Kindergarten class. This school is one of the only in the Indianapolis area that offers a part-time Kindergarten. (It meets Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.) On Thursdays, the class spends all day outdoors in the "forest Kindergarten" area, which is basically set up to be an outdoor classroom. So the kids get to learn while feeling the cool breeze, hearing the birds chirping and feeling the earth under their feet. It is such an amazing space, and an amazing way for kids to learn. I feel like I could go on and on about Meridian Hills, but it's just one of those things you have to check out yourself. I'm probably the most jaded and cynical person I know, but whenever I talk to people about this school, I get super mushy and emotional recounting all the ways I love this school and how much my child has grown and blossomed because of it. It's truly been a blessing in our lives.

I searched high and low (aka Noblesville to downtown Indy) looking for a nondenominational,…read moreplay-based preschool for my daughter. After looking at multiple Montessori schools and not finding many other options, I was delighted to find MHCNS. As soon as I arrived, I knew I had found something special. The spacious outdoor playground is like no other I've seen in the area (and there are hiking trails, too!). Once inside, I was impressed by the "block room" full of wooden toys for building, the "art room" with easels set up and a table full of homemade play dough, and a third room where the children were enjoying board games and reading in little groups. And then I met the teachers. There are three, and they are all amazing. They have history with the school, an easy rapport with the children, and they believe in the power of play. I was also impressed that this school has a half-day kindergarten available. As a cooperative (and member of Indiana Council of Preschool Cooperatives), this preschool is run by parents. One of your child's caregivers will help out in the classroom once or twice a month and take on a "job" within the school. Your job could be anything from organizing the Fall Picnic to ordering the art supplies for your child's classroom or caring for the class pet. My daughter loves seeing me in her classroom, and it really gives me a better sense of what she is experiencing and what I can do to help her grow. MHCNS offers parent education nights and a two day training workshop. Since all of the parents are so involved with the school, you really get to know the other families and create lasting friendships. Overall, I feel that being part of this school has not only been beneficial to my daughter, it has also made me a better parent.