New Location Opening Soon!

Our South Lafayette location opens August 2024. Apply for enrollment now

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

We believe children learn best through play, which is why we pair curriculum with activities that foster fun and learning all at once! No matter which classroom they’re in or which teacher they have, rest assured your child will be in an educational and joyful environment. Some things our parents enjoy about Just Us Kids: 

  • 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!

Financial Assistance

Every family deserves the right to safe and affordable childcare. We’re happy to provide information on request about how to apply for scholarships and financial assistance programs. Contact us and we can discuss what this support would look like for you and your family.

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*

You’ll immediately feel welcome once you join the JUK family, and these are a few ways we go above and beyond to support you!

We would do anything for our families

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?

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

Knowing that I’m a small part of the village it takes to raise a child is the most rewarding feeling. The next best feeling is the connections I make with children, their families, my co-workers, and the Lafayette community. 

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 have played all different roles at Just Us Kids since June of 2009. Now as Assistant Director, I love enjoying not just one classroom full of children, but several, with over 200 children ages 6 weeks to 12 years old!

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

I would describe Just Us Kids as a warm and friendly environment I love showing up to every day.

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 started at Just Us Kids in 2015 as a part time Teacher's Aid then became a Lead Early Pre-K Teacher once I earned my Associate's Degree. I have spent most of my life caring for children and helping them grow as I grew up in a family 5 siblings. I love working with children and seeing their eyes light up when they discover something new. I have enjoyed transitioning my teaching style towards children to mentoring teachers and supporting them. 

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

My passion for children started at a young age when my brother was born 8 years after me. I enjoyed taking care of him and treating him like my baby doll. Choosing to go to school to obtain my Bachelor's Degree in early childhood education was the easiest decision to make. I started at Just Us Kids in 2015 as a Teacher's Aid and quickly found my groove as a Lead Teacher in the Pre-K classroom. My favorite thing about teaching children is watching the world through their eyes and the excitement they feel when they accomplish new things.

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?

This depends on the classroom your child is in. However, general student/teacher ratios are below: 
  • 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?

Staff will be watchful for signs of illness and will contact you if your child becomes sick or injured. Our facilities are professionally cleaned and sanitized Monday-Friday by Pink Team Cleaning Services LLC. Just Us Kids has a security system that locks exterior doors at all times. A staff member at the front desk uses a remote to unlock the door to allow for individual access throughout the day.

What is involved in your curriculum? 

What is involved in your curriculum? 

Our curriculum is meant to serve the needs of the classroom at their age-appropriate level, and includes the following: 

  • 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. 

We’d love to welcome your family into ours!

Just Us Kids is an early learning center serving the greater Lafayette, Indiana area for children from 6 weeks to 12 years of age. 

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