Marlene Watkins, Center Director
Ages: 6 weeks to 5 years
Open:
Neighborhood:
Hazel Dell
Elementary Schools Bussed To:
Our center does not service school age children. However, the KinderCare on Rangeline Road in Carmel, or our Noblesville KinderCare would be happy to assist you with your school age needs.
Our center is accredited by NAEYC.
Welcome to 131st & Hazel Dell KinderCare
Welcome to 131st & Hazel Dell KinderCare! We are located in the beautiful, tree-lined neighborhood of east Carmel, IN. Our caring staff helps each child every day build confidence for life by crafting fun activities that foster social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. Our warm and supportive classrooms work well for children of all abilities, backgrounds, and experiences. It's our mission from the moment you walk into our center that you feel welcomed and a part of our KinderCare family!
Our classrooms are places to thrive!
In our safe and healthy classrooms, your child will be engaged in learning experiences that meet them where they are, both socially and academically. With fun daily activities, passionate teachers, and great friends, a lifetime of confidence starts here. Contact the center director to learn more about our child care options and schedule a tour!
Meet Marlene Watkins, Our Center Director
At KinderCare Since: 2021
Education: Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education
Favorite Children's Book: The Bad Seed
Meet Marlene Watkins! She is the Center Director at 131st & Hazel Dell KinderCare in Carmel, IN. Marlene attended Jefferson State College and Ivy Tech Community College, where she is currently earning her associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She has been with KinderCare for one year, and before that she was a teacher, an education specialist, and an academy director. “If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn no one can stop you.” - Zig Ziglar. Outside of work, Marlene enjoys singing, watching football, and participating in any and all outdoor activities.
AMERICA’S MOST ACCREDITED
We’re so proud!
Nationally only 10% of daycares are accredited - nearly 100% of our learning centers are. That’s a big difference, and that means KinderCare kids are getting the very best. Here’s why.
SCHOOL-READY
What Learning Looks Like
Our talented early-childhood teachers set kids down the path toward becoming lifelong learners in a positive, safe, and nurturing environment.
131st & Hazel Dell KinderCare Programs
Infant Programs (6 weeks–1 year)
Leaving your baby in someone else’s care is a big step. Everyone at our centers—most importantly, our naturally gifted infant teachers—will work with you to make sure the transition goes smoothly. When you step into our infant classroom, you’ll see how much we want your infant to feel safe, loved, and ready to explore their world.
Toddler Programs (1–2 Years)
Everything in our toddler classroom is designed for little explorers. That’s because a lot is going on at this age. When your child is wandering all over the place, that means they’re learning and discovering new things every day. We’ll help them explore their interests (and find new ones!) as they play and learn.
Discovery Preschool Programs (2–3 Years)
This age is filled with so much wonder and curiosity. That’s why we offer a ton of books and toys and bring artwork down to kids eye level. Children in discovery preschool also begin to learn how we all work together in a classroom. Simple math and science, pretend play, and group play help them get used to a more structured school setting.
Preschool Programs (3–4 Years)
This age is all about expression, when kids really start to form their own ideas about what they want to play and how they want to create. Every day in our preschool classroom, your child will explore science experiments, create artwork, and play pretend—all the skills needed for their big next step: kindergarten!
Prekindergarten Programs (4–5 Years)
When you walk into one of our pre-K classrooms, you’ll see artwork and writing displayed around the room. Labels are everywhere to help kids connect letters with words. You’ll also see pictures on the walls that reflect the families in our community. Your child will also deepen their knowledge in language, math, science, Spanish, and social skills.
School Break Programs (preschool, prekindergarten, and school-age)
Winter break, spring break, summer break—when school’s out (but you still need to work), you can count on KinderCare to provide a safe and supportive learning environment that’s focused on fun. We welcome children ages 5–12 during school break times and make sure they have a sensational, screen-free experience they won’t forget.
Learning Adventures - Enrichment Program
Cooking Academy™ (3 – 12 Years)
In Cooking Academy, kids learn new recipes from cultures around the world and develop a healthy relationship with food. They’ll whip up everything from Southwest rainbow lettuce wraps to pumpkin muffins, building their skills in STEM, communication, and more along the way. And yes—little chefs get to eat their culinary creations!
Music Explorers™ (2 – 4 Years)
KinderCare families are already giving a standing ovation to our newest Learning Adventures program: Music Explorers! Kids will learn to sing, move, listen, play instruments, and even create their own tunes. Our original curriculum blends math, science, social studies, literacy, and mindfulness (think yoga!) for a uniquely KinderCare way of learning the foundations of music.
Phonics Adventures® (2 – 4 Years)
Learning how to read is a whole lot of fun at KinderCare! We help kids grow to love books and words (and get ready for kindergarten) in our Phonics Adventures program. From discovering the basics of vowels to practicing poetry, kids learn all about letters and sounds in small-group lessons made just for their age group. (Bonus: Kids who attend our phonics program are more prepared than their peers for school—and we have the data to prove it.)
STEM Innovators (3-8 Years)
You’ve probably heard a lot about how important STEM education is for your child, but what does that really mean? Our STEM Innovators program takes kids’ natural ability to make sense of the world and applies it to robotics, chemistry, coding, geology, and more. While your child experiments, they’ll discover how to use technology to do amazing things!
Our Teachers
We're the only company in early childhood education to select teachers based on natural talent. Being a great educator isn't enough though. KinderCare teachers are also amazing listeners, nurturers, boo-boo fixers, and smile-makers. Put more simply, we love our teachers and your child will, too.
Meet just a few of our amazing KinderCare teachers!
A KINDERCARE TEACHER WITH
An Artist's Heart
"My classroom is full of art!” says Mary Annthipie-Bane, an award-winning early childhood educator at KinderCare. Art and creative expression, she says, help children discover who they really are.
We put our best-in-class teachers in a best-in-class workplace. We're so proud to have been named one of Gallup's 37 winners of the Great Workplace Award. When you put great teachers in an engaging center, your children will experience an amazing place to learn and grow.
Family Stories
Don't take our word for it. Hear what our families have to say about our amazing center!
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A world without KinderCare is a world without a place where I can take all three of my kids and feel comfortable and at ease when I say good bye to them. The staff is very professional and through the few times my child has been bitten it still didn't change my mind about the care and attention my kids receive at Kinder Care. So Kinder Care to the world is like breath to our bodies, we have to have it. Thanks and continue the beautiful work that you do.
”Cecil G. - KinderCare Parent
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"When I leave my girls at KC everyday, I walk out knowing that my kids will be well taken care of. The staff is extremely friendly, well qualified and hard working. I feel like I can focus on my work better because I am not worried about my kids and know that my kids are in a safe environment."
”Anu M. - KinderCare Parent
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"Ms. Lily in the Infant Classroom was the only one who could get Ava to take a bottle when I returned to work. It gave me such comfort. Her patience is priceless!"
”Laura T. - KinderCare Parent
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"My almost two year old daughter Kennedy has only attended KC for about one month, but I know she loves it! Three mornings a week when we're getting dressed, she says "cool" (her version of school) over and over with a bright smile. She never had a morning of tears when I dropped her off and I always return to a happy, dancing girl in the afternoon. The teachers in the Discovery Preschool Classroom did a fantastic job of welcoming her in the morning and starting her with the morning activity I personally can't imagine a day with fifteen Kennedy's, so my hat goes off to Ms. Liz, Ms. Chelsey, and Ms. Christy. They make me feel much at ease and ready to start my work day. Great job!"
”Glenda S. - KinderCare Parent
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"I love the fact that when I come to pick Gabe up the teachers tell me about his day and voice concerns (if any). They are wonderful teachers in the Toddler Classroom. They are both amazing caregivers!"
”Dawn K. - KinderCare Parent
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The things I love about KinderCare on Hazel Dell: The opportunity for my child to participate in additional programs, such as cooking and music. I like the opportunity for her to get extra attention, and I like that her teacher gives feedback about how Cam does in those classes. Overall, I think communication is proactive. I like the information on what my child is doing in the classroom (I'd even take more of it - I love the monthly calendar, and would love to see that continue, as well as the email about what’s going on that particular week). I think communication is good at all levels (Director email, teacher notes and discussions, etc). That's been really helpful! Each day, my daughter participates in several well thought out/planned activities (shapes, colors, music/dancing, etc.), and I really see how much she is learning! I like that even with the Toddlers and young Preschool children, learning is a priority and not just left to chance. We had the BEST experience in the Toddler Classroom. Even when Cam was new, they made her/us feel welcome, they ALWAYS took time to really talk to me and my husband at pick up (about her day, about any issues she may be having that we can help work on, about her strengths in learning, etc.) Communication is key with us, and they were always willing to do it. They also seemed to really notice her individual needs and were always willing to go the extra mile!"
”Renay P. - KinderCare Parent
Who Are KinderCare Families?
They hail from hundreds of cities across the country from countless backgrounds, and proudly represent every walk in life. What our families have in common, though, is the want to give their children the best start in life. We are so proud to be their partner in parenting.
Hear from just a few of our amazing KinderCare families.
A Globe-Trotting Family Finds A
Home in Houston
Four young children, four different passports, two languages, two full-time jobs…oh, and a few triathlons thrown in for good measure. Meet the globe-trotting Colettas—a family on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions
What accreditations does KinderCare have?
We are your trusted caregiver. Our centers are state-licensed and regularly inspected to make sure everything meets or exceeds standards, including child-to-teacher ratios and safe facilities. Our centers aren’t just licensed—most are accredited, too! Find out more.
Do you offer part-time schedules at 131st & Hazel Dell KinderCare?
Everybody’s schedule is different. We’re happy to offer quality, affordable part-time and full-time childcare. Drop-in care may also be available. Reach out to your Center Director to learn more.
How does naptime work at 131st & Hazel Dell KinderCare?
Our teachers meet every child’s needs during naptime. Our teachers know how to get babies to nap. In fact, they are pros at getting children of any age to nap. Visit our article on "10 Ways We Help Kids Get a Great Daycare Nap" to learn more.
Do you support alternative diets?
We strive to be as inclusive as possible. To that point, we provide a vegetarian option at mealtime, take care to not serve common allergens and can adapt menus based on your child’s food sensitivities. If your child has additional needs, we’ll work with you to figure out a plan.
Are meals included in tuition? Can I choose to send my child with lunch?
We provide nutritious meals and snacks developed by a registered dietician to meet the needs of rapidly growing bodies and minds. If your child has special dietary requirements and you would prefer to bring in their lunch, please make arrangements with the center director.
Does my child need to be potty-trained?
Every child begins toilet learning at a different age. Until your child shows an interest in toilet learning, we’ll provide diaper changes on an as-needed basis. When your child shows an interest, we'll discuss how to work together to encourage toilet learning.