Armstrong Early Learning Center
950 E VAN BUREN ST, COLUMBIA CITY, IN 46725Childery Rating: 3/5
Data last updated ·
Quality Indicators
See Methodology →- Overall QualityCombines daily care quality (interactions, learning, environment) with structural features like staff-to-child ratios and teacher qualifications.3 / 5
- Process QualityThe quality of daily care — caregiver-child interactions, learning activities, and the emotional climate. Drawn from the state QRIS rating, accreditations, and Head Start CLASS observations.3 / 5
- Structural QualityMeasurable features like staff-to-child ratios, group sizes, license status, and teacher qualifications. Provider-level data when available; otherwise the state regulatory baseline.4 / 5
Why this rating
This daycare earned 3 out of 5 stars overall. Process quality reflects a Path to QUALITY rating of Level 2 (out of 4). Structural quality reflects a 20% violation rate across 5 visits in the last 3 years (most recently inspected January 2026), 2 complaints over the same window, and a license in good standing. The structural rating also includes Indiana's licensing baseline — what every licensed daycare in the state must meet. Indiana caps infant ratios at 1:5, toddler ratios at 1:6, and preschool ratios at 1:13. Lead teachers must hold a High School Diploma. Teachers must complete 12 hours of annual training.
Quality Recognitions & Accreditations
- State Quality Rating
- Path to QUALITY Level 2 (Max 4) Learn more →
- Accreditations
- National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)Not Accredited
- National Accreditation Commission (NAC)Not Accredited
- National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA)Not Accredited
- National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC)Not Accredited
Facility Info
- Facility type
- Child Care Center
- Age groups served
- Infants, Toddlers, Preschool, School-Age
- Licensed capacity
- 101
- Teacher-child ratios & group sizesState Minimum Displayed
Age Max ratio Max group Infants 1:5 12 Toddlers 1:6 14 Preschool 1:13 29
Teacher Credentials
- Lead teacher credentialState Minimum Displayed
- High School Diploma
Inspection History
Across 2 inspections since 2025, the issues cited most often were Discipline & Adult-Child Interaction (1), Infectious Disease Prevention & Control (1), and Licensing & Administrative Compliance (1). None of the 5 findings were critical.
See All 2 Inspection Visits
Jan 28, 20263 Findings3 Important
- Staff Hygiene
Food handlers in classrooms not wearing hair restraints or smocks/aprons.
- The Center Shall Provide Space for Each Childs Personal Belongings to Keep Them
Transition room cots stored in a way that children's blankets were touching other cots, not separate.
- Caregivers Shall Use the Diapering Surface Exclusively for Diaper Changing
Three toy cars and an uncovered pacifier sitting on transition room changing table pad , not sanitary.
Sep 19, 20252 Findings2 Important
- All Outside Doors and Windows Shall Be Screened with Sixteen (16) Gauge Mesh Scr
On day of main Y's gym floors being sealed, program opened program doors that do not have screens. On day of consultant's visit transition classroom had their back door leading to playground wide open with no screen.
- When Conditions Arise That Make the Building Unsafe
When conditions arise that make the building unsafe, the center must take immedi The main YMCA gym floor was being sealed with a polyurethane hybrid. The off-gas odor was very strong in program, program should have conducted an emergency closure.
Complaints & Safety Record
- Complaints (Last 36 Months)
- 2
- 2% of licensed capacity
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