All News & StoriesThe 2026 Indiana General Assembly session kicks off on January 5. With it comes a fresh wave of bills that could shape the future of early childhood education in our state. At Child Care Answers, we believe that staying informed is the first step toward building a stronger community for our children and families. To help you navigate the coming weeks, we’ve put together a high-level look at what’s happening at the statehouse. There are four key child care related bills we are watching closely.
What to expect in the life of a bill
The legislative process can feel like a maze, but it follows a specific path. A bill starts as an idea, often from a legislator, a constituent, or an advocacy group. Once its creator introduces it (the “First Reading”), the legislature assigns it to a committee. This is where experts and the public can weigh in. If it passes committee, it moves to the floor for a “Second Reading” (amendments) and a “Third Reading” (final vote). If it passes one chamber (the House or Senate), it heads to the other to start the process all over again. When both chambers agree on the exact same version, it heads to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.
Bills to watch in 2026
Here are four specific bills that touch the lives of families and child care providers across Indiana. We recommend you stay updated on a specific bill’s progress, by clicking the “Subscribe to this bill” or “Follow” button at the top of any bill page on the Indiana General Assembly website to receive automated email alerts whenever an action or vote occurs:
Senate Bill 66: Kindergarten Readiness Indicators
Requires the early learning advisory committee to establish and publish kindergarten readiness indicators (indicators). Establishes requirements regarding the indicators, including publication of the indicators on a single and easy to access website page. Requires the department of education, the office of early childhood and out of school learning, and the Indiana department of health to display on certain website pages a link to the indicator web page.
Senate Bill 84: Prekindergarten and Child Care
Requires the office of the secretary of family and social services (office) to apply to the United States Department of Health and Human Services to amend the state plan for the federal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program to increase the maximum initial eligibility limit for purposes of initial eligibility to 150% of the federal poverty level. Requires the office to fully fund: (1) each eligible applicant for a CCDF voucher payment; and (2) eligible CCDF provider reimbursement rates at a specified rate. Provides that the office may not place an eligible CCDF applicant on a waiting list. Provides that an eligible child for the prekindergarten program is an individual who, among other conditions, is a member of a household with an annual income that does not exceed 150% of the federal poverty level (instead of 135% for individuals enrolled on or after May 1, 2025, under current law). Removes the limitation on state money that may be used for a prekindergarten voucher during a state fiscal year. Requires the office of family and social services to establish reimbursement rates for prekindergarten providers that are equal to or greater than the rates established that were in effect on January 1, 2025. Makes an appropriation to the prekindergarten program fund.
House Bill 1018: School Age Child Care
Removes certain transportation requirements in the approval criteria for the school age child care project fund. Requires the division of family resources to adopt rules specifying cost and expense standards for transporting a child to a facility where the child does not attend school.
House Bill 1026: Child Care Funding
Amends the appropriation from the financial responsibility and opportunity growth fund (fund) for the state budget biennium in HEA 1001-2025 to require the total amount appropriated from the fund to be used for funding the Child Care and Development Fund voucher program and On My Way Pre-K programmatic funding and for no other purpose.
Make your voice heard
Your experience as a parent, child care professional, or community member is the most powerful tool for change. Legislators need to hear from the people who live and work in the world of early care and education every day. Here are a few ways you can take action:
Contact your local legislator
Use the Indiana General Assembly’s Find Your Legislator tool to get the contact information for your specific representative and senator. A quick email or phone call can make a huge difference!
Attend INAEYC’s Indiana Early Childhood Education Day at the statehouse
Join advocates from across the state on February 5, 2026, for a day of collective action. It’s a great way to learn more about the issues and meet with lawmakers in person. Register and find more info.
We grow when we work together. Let’s make 2026 a year where every Indiana child has the support they need to thrive!
