Think Ahead Academy
4262 WEST 38TH STREET, INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46254Childery Rating: 4/5
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.4 / 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.4 / 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 4 out of 5 stars overall. Process quality reflects a Path to QUALITY rating of Level 3 (out of 4). Structural quality reflects a 30% violation rate across 10 visits in the last 3 years (most recently inspected February 2026) 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 3 (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
- License Exempt
- Age groups served
- Not Available
- Licensed capacity
- Not Available
- Cost
- Free pre-K available
- Participates in On My Way Pre-K, a state-funded pre-K program that's free for eligible families. Other care hours may have tuition.
- 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 2024, the issues cited most often were Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (2) and Building & Premises Safety (1). Of 5 total findings, 1 was critical.
See All 2 Inspection Visits
Jul 31, 20254 Findings1 Critical3 Important
- The Child Care Ministry Must Do the Following: Conduct a Criminal History Check
Provider is unable to adequately check for required criminal history of an employee. Caregiver has expired fingerprints.
- Each Childcare Provider
Each childcare provider, household member, employee, volunteer caregiver shall s Each childcare provider, household member, employee, volunteer caregiver shall submit fingerprints for a national criminal history background check by the FBI or each childcare provider has local criminal check with documentation that national check is applied for.
- All Interior Surfaces
All interior surfaces, equipment, materials, furnishings, and objects with which Door missing for Toddler/Twos classroom, cubby shelving unit is being used to block doorway. This is a safety issue for emergency exit of classroom.
- Each Childcare Provider Has Provided Evidence That They Have Not Been Named in T
Each childcare provider has provided evidence that they have not been named in the State Central Registry IC31-33-18.
Jul 11, 20241 Finding1 Important
- Each Childcare Provider Has Provided Evidence That They Have Not Been Named in T
Each childcare provider has provided evidence that they have not been named in the State Central Registry IC31-33-18.
Complaints & Safety Record
- Complaints
- 0
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