Welcome to

Realife STEAM Academy

Realife STEAM Academy is a child care ministry for children ages 6 weeks through Pre-K.

We Believe

Each child should be provided with a safe and nurturing environment that promotes their natural curiosity and excitement for learning. We also believe that each child learns at their own pace and that, when provided with a variety of developmentally appropriate opportunities to play, discover, experiment, investigate, and explore, they can become lifelong learners.

Our Goal

To provide opportunities for children to learn, grow, and develop socially, emotionally, academically, physically, and spiritually.

What is the mission of STEAM Academy?

Our mission is to provide a safe, nurturing, and Christ-centered environment where children can thrive, and their families feel supported and connected.
What does “STEAM” stand for?

STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. We integrate these disciplines into early learning to encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
What age groups do you serve?

We serve children from infancy (6 weeks) through Pre-Kindergarten.
What curriculum do you use?

We use the Creative Curriculum®, a research-based, comprehensive curriculum designed to meet the developmental needs of young children.
Do you offer part-time care?

While parents can choose their child’s schedule, we currently only offer full-time tuition rates.
How do I enroll my child?

You can start the enrollment process by filling out the inquiry form on our website or contacting our office directly. Enrollment is based on availability and classroom ratios.
Is there a waitlist?

Yes, if a classroom is full, your child will be placed on a waiting list, and we will contact you as soon as a spot becomes available.
What are your tuition rates?

Tuition rates vary by age group. Please fill out the inquiry form or contact our office for detailed pricing information.
Do you offer financial assistance or discounts?

We offer sibling discounts and accept CCDF vouchers. Contact us to learn more about eligibility.
What is your teacher-to-child ratio?

Our ratios comply with Indiana state guidelines: Infants: 1:4 Toddlers: 1:5 Twos: 1:5 Threes: 1:7 Preschool: 1:10 Pre-K: 1:12
What are your class sizes?

Class sizes range from 7 children in our infant classrooms to 24 in our Pre-Kindergarten classroom.
What are your hours of operation?

We are open Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 5:30 pm.
Do you provide meals?

Yes, we provide breakfast, morning snack, lunch, and afternoon snack. All meals meet USDA guidelines.
What safety measures do you have in place?

We use secure entry systems, maintain strict teacher-to-child ratios, and conduct regular safety drills. All staff members are certified in CPR and First Aid.
How do you communicate with parents?

We use the ProCare app for all communication including daily updates, announcements, newsletters, and billing information.
How do you incorporate STEAM into early childhood education?

We provide age-appropriate STEAM activities that encourage exploration and discovery such as sensory play, hands-on experiments, and creative art projects.
Do you follow Indiana’s early learning guidelines?

Yes, we align our curriculum and teaching practices with Indiana’s Early Learning Foundations.
How do you track a child’s progress?

We track each child’s developmental progress through ongoing observations and formal assessments. Using GOLD® assessments through our Creative Curriculum® by Teaching Strategies, we evaluate vital developmental milestones across areas such as cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and language development. Progress reports are shared with parents during conferences, and we collaborate with families to support each child’s growth.
What is your sick policy?

Children who show signs of illness (e.g., fever, vomiting, contagious symptoms) must stay home until they are symptom-free for 24 hours without medication.
What is your discipline policy?

We use positive reinforcement and redirection techniques to guide behavior. Physical punishment or harsh discipline is never used.
Do you allow drop-in visits from parents?

Yes, we encourage parents to visit their child’s classroom, but please coordinate with the office to ensure minimal disruption.
What is your drop-off and pick-up policy?

Children must be dropped off by 9:00 am each day, to minimize disruption to the learning environment. Please notify us in advance if your child has a doctor’s appointment and will be arriving late. A doctor’s note is required to drop your child off after 9:00 am. If a child is dropped off between 11:00 and 11:30 am, please be sure they have eaten lunch before arriving. Realife STEAM will not accept drop-offs or pick-ups between 12:00 and 2:30 pm to prevent disturbance during nap time, unless pre-approved by the office.
Are your teachers certified?

All of our lead teachers are trained in early childhood education and may hold degrees or certifications in the field.
How do I schedule a tour?

You can schedule a tour by…
How can I get involved in my child’s learning experience?

We welcome parent volunteers for special events and classroom activities. Let us know if you are interested in participating!
Do you offer summer programs for K-12?

No, we are currently not offering summer programs.