Help Guide for Early Childhood and Out-of-School Time Programs
At Child Care Answers, we know the rewards and challenges of working in quality child care, preschool, and school-age settings. We aim to connect you to resources so you can do your job better – and to ensure the children in your care receive the highest quality experience possible. Scroll down to view our top resources for child care professionals like you.
The Latest News
The best way to get the latest news about professional development opportunities, grants, and additional resources is to follow us on social media! We post most of our content for child care professionals on Facebook, but we encourage to follow us on all of our channels.
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Join our mailing list to get emails or texts about our latest happenings. We have some exciting changes on the horizon, including the Central Indiana Child Care Alliance!
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Resources for child care professionals
If you’re looking to grow in any of the following areas, reach out to one of our partners!
Professional Development
Meaningful professional development is essential to both advancing your career in early childhood education and boosting your personal growth and development. Browse our PD Hub to see what's happening around Indiana and online!
Early Childhood Degrees and Colleges
From Associate degrees to graduate degrees, university studies are another great way to expand your knowledge and create opportunities for yourself and the children you serve. Learn more about available opportunities close to home or online.
Credentials and Certifications
Credentials and certifications can help you learn more about targeted areas within the field. When you have one, current or potential employers see you as dedicated to growing in your career. Licensing and Paths to QUALITY™ may also accept or require certain credentials like the CDA to participate.
Quality Improvement
Paths to QUALITY is a great way to get recognized and rewarded for operating a quality program and working to continuously improve it. The program helps you provide high quality care and education through free resources and cash and non-cash incentives.
On My Way Pre-K
On My Way Pre-K provides grants for four-year-olds from low-income families, so they may have access to high-quality pre-K programs the year before they begin kindergarten. You can apply to become an On My Way Pre-K program at any time, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements.
Early Childhood Mental Health
If you work with infants and toddlers, consider investing in yourself through training and certifications for early chidhood mental health.
Laws, Rules, and Related Policies
The Indiana Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning establishes rules and guidelines for child cares that participate in the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), as well as additional requirements based on child care type.
Licensing Consultants
If you have specific questions about any licensing rules or requirements, your licensing consultant can help. Don't know who your consultant is? Check out this list by county.
Supporting CCDF Families
Learn about recent changes to CCDF and the tools you need to support CCDF families in your care.
CCDF Support for Child Care Workers
FAQs for CCDF and On My Way Pre-K expansion for employees of licensed or regulated child care programs
CCDF Consultants
If you have any questions about the CCDF voucher program, connect with your county's CCDF policy consultant as listed on the map.
Family Enrollment
The Early Learning Marketplace makes it easy for you to market your program and available openings directly to families in need of care. You can maintain your program profile and highlight unique offerings, communicate directly with families, schedule tours, begin the enrollment process and more.
Family Resources
We know that sometimes families will come to you with needs that you may not be able to support. Our Family Help Guide includes information about quality child care as well as resources to support a family's broader needs.
Opening a Child Care Business
You know one thing – you have a passion for children and want to make a career of it. We’re here to connect you to what comes next, including your resource at the Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning.
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Program Services
Central Indiana Child Care Alliance
The Central Indiana Child Care Alliance (“the Alliance”), in partnership with United Way of Central Indiana, supports home-based child care providers across central Indiana — starting in Marion County with plans to expand over four years.
This regional initiative helps providers share resources and services to strengthen their businesses, reduce costs, and improve quality. By centralizing access to tools, support, and expertise, the Alliance helps providers save time, lower expenses, and grow sustainably.
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As a professional, I have found Child Care Answers to be a place of guidance, information, and resources. I am a better educator and parent because of Child Care Answers.
Ashley Flaumenhaft
Early Childhood Educator
