About
Center for Young Children STEM Pre-K introduces children to scientific tools such as microscopes, magnifying glasses, rulers, weights, and balances. The program includes technology integration through an interactive smart board and introduces the scientific method, including a daily “Carpet Time = Hypotheses Time” when children develop a hypothesis and investigate it through hands-on experimentation. Children also record and describe changes in weather and seasons, and their growth is documented through each STEM-related field, with guest instructors and collaborators from Indiana University Indianapolis STEM departments and offices complementing daily instruction.
• Ages: 4–5 years old
• Schedule: Open Monday–Friday, 7:30 am–5:30 pm
Since its founding in 1979, the Center for Young Children’s stated mission has been to provide exceptional care and early childhood education to the IU Indianapolis and Indianapolis communities. Trained teachers guide student-led, project-based investigations that introduce the scientific method to the learning process, and experienced and professional teachers guide and encourage each child. The curriculum is built upon Indiana’s Early Learning Development Framework for physical, life, earth and space sciences, weather, and engineering processes, and includes art, reading, writing, and play time throughout the day. The Center provides year-round daycare programs for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years and offers childcare and early childhood education for both the university and the broader Indianapolis communities.
The program’s philosophy states that children learn best through play, hands-on activities, and interaction with their environment, and the curriculum is described as promoting independence, self-esteem, confidence, and critical thinking skills. The Center is licensed to accept CCDF and On-My-Way Pre-K program vouchers. Guest instructors and collaborators from Indiana University Indianapolis STEM departments and offices are involved to complement daily instruction. Testimonials on the Center for Young Children website describe families feeling that their children “belong,” noting growth attributed to the teachers and programming, and describing teachers helping a child who does not handle change well to transition “flawlessly.”
Last updated May 13, 2026.
• Ages: 4–5 years old
• Schedule: Open Monday–Friday, 7:30 am–5:30 pm
Since its founding in 1979, the Center for Young Children’s stated mission has been to provide exceptional care and early childhood education to the IU Indianapolis and Indianapolis communities. Trained teachers guide student-led, project-based investigations that introduce the scientific method to the learning process, and experienced and professional teachers guide and encourage each child. The curriculum is built upon Indiana’s Early Learning Development Framework for physical, life, earth and space sciences, weather, and engineering processes, and includes art, reading, writing, and play time throughout the day. The Center provides year-round daycare programs for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years and offers childcare and early childhood education for both the university and the broader Indianapolis communities.
The program’s philosophy states that children learn best through play, hands-on activities, and interaction with their environment, and the curriculum is described as promoting independence, self-esteem, confidence, and critical thinking skills. The Center is licensed to accept CCDF and On-My-Way Pre-K program vouchers. Guest instructors and collaborators from Indiana University Indianapolis STEM departments and offices are involved to complement daily instruction. Testimonials on the Center for Young Children website describe families feeling that their children “belong,” noting growth attributed to the teachers and programming, and describing teachers helping a child who does not handle change well to transition “flawlessly.”
Last updated May 13, 2026.
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