Giving kids fun-filled learning and parents peace of mind since 1996
ABOUT JUST US KIDS
A daycare with a big heart for shaping little minds
- Spring & Fall photos to document precious milestones
- Nutritious snacks & meals provided
- Monthly family involvement activities
- Outdoor green space for children to stretch & explore
- Indoor Gym available for gross motor skills
- Pre-K graduation & celebration
- A safe space for their child to make lifelong friends
From 6 weeks through 12 years old, it’s been a privilege to serve the children and families of the Lafayette Community.
check out our achievements
At the time, the Indiana Veteran's Home served less than 100 children with half the amount of classrooms.
In hopes of promoting early childhood education, we built our current facility in 2007 and nearly doubled in size. Now, we're nationally accredited through NECPA, a Level 4 Paths to QUALITY™ provider, and licensed to serve 200 children. Helping families thrive through the early years is our top priority. It's why we value tight-knit relationships as much as we value your child's learning.
Want to see our early learning center for yourself? We'd love to have you visit!
Just Us Kids began in a small building on the grounds of The Indiana Veteran's Home.
Let's take a look back
Staff Who Treat Your Child Like Their Own
We strive to maintain low turnover rates so our teachers can make long-lasting connections with children and their families. At Just Us Kids your child is not just another number on the waiting list — far from it. We strive to be both physical, educational, and emotional support for you and your family.
Easy Communication Through the Brightwheel App
Now, it’s easier than ever to communicate with teachers in a safe and seamless way. Our teachers will update you with our daily routine and send you pictures of your child playing on the playground or making a new craft. Whether you’re sitting at your desk or on the go, you’ll have access to everything you need at your fingertips.
Monthly Family Involvement Projects
When we say we’re like family, we really mean it! Our Pre-K classrooms assign family involvement projects for parents and guardians to work on with their children several times throughout the year. And all classrooms have family engagement activities such as bringing in special snacks for the holidays and sharing culture from home. It’s a fun way for your child to showcase their families in the JUK classrooms and for parents to form a closer bond with the teachers their child spends time with!
Extracurricular Activities
New experiences and making new friends are some of the best ways to help your child broaden their horizons. We’re grateful to have trusted outside organizations that provide exciting ways for your child to express themselves in a diverse yet comforting space. Who knows, maybe you’ll discover your child has a hidden talent! *Not included in tuition*
With our licensed and dedicated caregivers, teachers, and staff you’ll always have a group of people you can rely on who will give your child the same love you do. Take a moment to meet some of the smiling faces you’ll run into:
from the JUK Family
meet the administration
My early childhood education journey began in 2000 when I worked as a preschool teacher, started my own home childcare that eventually became licensed, and served as a director before making Just Us Kids my home in 2011.
When I’m not making memories at JUK, I love playing with my two labrador retrievers, hosting family game nights, going on camping trips, and taking motorcycle trips with my husband. Random fun fact — I would love to take ballroom dance classes!
Carrie Justice, Executive Director of JUK
I dreamed of being a teacher ever since I was a little girl. My passion for children grew as a babysitter which eventually inspired me to pursue a career in early childhood education.
Our household is animal-friendly in the literal sense. When we’re not planning a Disney trip, my two kids and I love spending time with all our four-legged friends — our labrador retriever, cat, frog, and 3 turtles! But out of all the animals that exist, penguins are my favorite!
Melanie Markle, Director JUK West
Early childhood education has always been part of my family, so caring for children came naturally to me. I know how important education is in a child’s life so my knack for connecting with kids eventually transformed into a passion for impacting their lives through education — something they will always carry with them.
Beyond my role at Just Us Kids, I’m quite the adventurer! My husband, Cole and our two dogs, Axel and Miley enjoy kayaking, camping, hiking — basically anything that involves the great outdoors. Or I’m serving a friendly dose of competition through volleyball, spike ball, ping pong, darts, and corn hole!
Kelly Williams, Director JUK South
I am married to my high school sweetheart, Connor. We have been happily married since 2018. I am a mom to a wonderful daughter, Everleigh who truly brings so much happiness to those around her. I enjoy spending time with my family outdoors, traveling around the world, reading all genres, and working in my garden.
Adrianna Wells, Assistant Director JUK West
Adrianna
When I am not at Just Us Kids, I enjoy spending time with my family outdoors, camping or crusing on our riverboat. I am married to my childhood best friend, Tanner, and we have two beautiful baby girls Kinsley and Kooper. The girls love playing fetch with their Silver Labrador Retriever, Ruger.
Kaleigh Scott, Assistant Director of JUK South
Kaleigh
- Molly Hathaway
In a field with high turnover, it has been so reassuring to see so many of the same faces through our 5 years at the center (with many continuing for many years before we started).
“They are dedicated and loving.”
- Jarrod Doucette
[It was important to] find a place that has employees who treat my kids as if they were their own. The administrative people and staff working with the kids are all great!
“...treat my kids as if they were their own.”
- Caitlin Bowsher
They love my daughter even on her bad, moody days. They challenge her to be her best self in all areas of growth. They believe in her!
“The staff has become like family to us.”
Frequently Asked Questions
NEED MORE INSIGHT?
How long should I expect to spend on the waiting list?
How long should I expect to spend on the waiting list?
We strive to maintain low turnover rates so our teachers can make long-lasting connections with children and their families. At Just Us Kids your child is not just another number on the waiting list — far from it. We strive to be both physical, educational, and emotional support for you and your family.
What are your child-to-staff ratios?
What are your child-to-staff ratios?
- Infants: 4: 1
- Twos/Toddlers: 5:1
- Two ½ Year-Olds: 7:1
- Pre-K: 10:1 (3-Year-Olds) & 12:1 (4-and- 5-Year-Olds)
- School-Aged: 15:1
How do you foster health and safety at Just Us Kids?
How do you foster health and safety at Just Us Kids?
What is involved in your curriculum?
What is involved in your curriculum?
- Pre-K readiness
- Annual developmental assessments
- Self-expression through art, music, language, and dramatic play
- Small-group time to encourage peer communication
- A daily schedule flexible to meet varying attention spans
- STREAM based curriculum using science, technology, reading, engineering, art, and math in many different areas
Do parents have to provide their own food?
Do parents have to provide their own food?
We personally provide breakfast, lunch, and snacks based on the program your child is enrolled in to promote balanced nutrition! We also inform parents of menu items through the Brightwheel App in case your child needs alternatives due to allergies.
Every time you set foot into our early learning center, your child will be met with a happy greeting and warm smile. Start the process of becoming a part of our family by booking a tour or joining the waitlist today.