The Children's Learning Center (CLC) by Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana opened in June 1980 as BridgePointe Children’s Academy in response to a growing need for child care services for children with disabilities. Today, The Children’s Learning Center provides quality child care for over 100 families a year – and as of June 2025, Goodwill is proud to announce that the CLC has helped all children, at every ability level, develop their full potential for 45 years.

“Each year, we serve over 100 families and achieve over 2,500 hours of quality instruction and child care,” said April Mattingly, director of The Children’s Learning Center.

April has been with The Children’s Learning Center for over 20 years. She’s not the only staff member who is passionate about helping families and children at The Children’s Learning Center; altogether, staff have a combined tenure of more than 75 years.

Teachers are experienced and well-trained, with many holding degrees and first aid, CPR and Childhood Development Associate® certifications. However, experience and training are not the only things that sets The Children’s Learning Center apart.

“For over 10 years, The Children’s Learning Center has been a Paths to QUALITY Level 4 care provider,” said April. Paths to QUALITY™ is a system that assesses and improves the quality of child care programs across Indiana. “It seats us as a higher standard and parents will look for that when searching for child care.”

Achieving the highest level of accreditation means that The Children’s Learning Center has been recognized for their commitment to providing safe, quality learning environments and thoughtfully planned curriculums for children preparing for kindergarten.

The Children’s Learning Center values providing young children hands-on learning experiences, as well as opportunities to use their imagination, creativity and problem solving skills. Beyond early learning, one of the most important aspects of preparing children for kindergarten is ensuring they have developing social and emotional skills.

From libraries, dramatic play and art, the children under The Children’s Learning Center’s care learn crucial skills and explore activities that will spark their curiosity and thinking.

“Every day, our staff come in and get to see the children’s smiling faces. It’s extremely fulfilling,” said April. “We’re excited to serve families for many more years to come.”

To learn more about The Children’s Learning Center, visit goodwillindy.org/clc.