131st & Hazel Dell KinderCare

So, I’m a working mom in Carmel. This means a lot of things but mostly it means, I had to find a good daycare for my two kiddos, a 2 year old and an infant and let’s just say it’s not easy OR cheap to do this. I was looking for consistency, reliability and convenient location. I wasn’t looking for my child to learn four languages, have algebra mastered by age 4 or memorize the 50 states so a few of those were immediately eliminated. I looked for caring individuals who love children and genuinely want to ensure my kiddos are well taken care of for 9 hours a day.
I have interviewed, talked to or met with about 14 daycares in the area. I’m an over-​researcher in this area. I did the in-​home thing, the nanny thing and now I’m doing the daycare thing and it works the best. It just does.
The Kindercare on Hazel Dell is wonderful! The teachers care very much, there is not too much turnover, and the director, Terri, is great. Her door is LITERALLY always open and she is always super friendly, willing to work with my ever-​changing/​flexible schedule and they allow part-​time for babies, which is pretty rare overall with daycares.
I also get the best discount offered in the area. It’s not much for two kids but 10% off each’s tuition is a savings of nearly $ 300 a month. That is nothing to sniffle at.
I won’t say it’s cheap. It’s not… but good daycare never is. But that is why it gets 4 stars, b/​c HOLY HELL it’s a second mortgage and I’m not going to pretend like I like that. But I know for the money we are paying goes towards everything I need in daycare… and that makes it worth it.
For my 2 year old, he went from not saying more than 10 words to a full vocabulary in less than four months. He may have gotten there on his own, but I do warrant a constant attention to the matter and the teachers b/​c they knew it was something we were concerned about. He has learned structure and lessons in listening. He has outdoor play and indoor play and naps once a day. They give balanced full meals and pay very close attention to his needs.
They also help with potty training which is HUGE and not something every daycare offers. Frankly I cannot believe they don’t, b/​c HOW is a working family supposed to dedicate their time to it if the daycare doesn’t step up and help too?
With the infant room, my child has her own crib, plenty of areas to lay, play and a swing for relaxation. I love the teachers in her room and I get a sheet for each child every day telling me how their day went.
I overall have been very happy with Kindercare. While no daycare situation is perfect and while we struggle with whether daycare is the right decision for us, Kindercare makes our lives easier and the joy on Max’s face at drop off each day gives me peace of mind.
I would HIGHLY recommend the Kindercare in Carmel at 131^st and Hazel Dell. I cannot speak for the others but Terri and her staff are amazing, friendly and always make my life easier when I need them.