Early Childhood and Out-of-School Providers
Children under the age of five spend an average of 36 hours per week in a child care program setting, often more awake time than what they spend with their own families. Those who choose a profession in child care often work too much and don’t get paid enough. Yet, child care professionals find joy in molding little minds and teaching children to interact in the world. Child care programs are also essential to the fabric of Indiana; they ensure a safe, caring place for children while their families contribute to the Hoosier economy and society.
“Occupational Employment and Wages of Childcare Workers, May 2021.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, March 1, 2021 https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes399011.htm.
“Early Educator Pay & Economic Insecurity across the States – Early Childhood Workforce INDEX 2020.” CSCCE, June 2, 2021. https://cscce.berkeley.edu/workforce-index-2020/the-early-educator-workforce/early-educator-pay-economic-insecurity-across-the-states/.
“Parents and the High Cost of Child Care.” Child Care Aware® of America. Accessed January 6, 2023. https://www.childcareaware.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/CCA_High_Cost_Report.pdf.
Services and Support for
Child Care Programs and Staff
As a child care resource and referral organization, we help families find child care. To ensure families have a wide variety of choices, and those options include high-quality programs, we also stay closely connected to child care programs and those interested in opening their own child care business. Print or download our child care program brochure to share with those who may be interested in our services.
Free services to
Connect professionals to resources and tools
We connect educators and administrators to organizations who can best support their need to learn and grow. Our strategic partnerships in the early care and education field help us guide programs to education and networking opportunities.
Education and Training
Education needs vary, depending on the type of child care program or a professional’s personal educational goals. We help connect staff to the organizations that best fit those needs, whether it’s higher education, a credential such as the CDA, annual professional development hours, or required trainings for licensure. We also provide guidance and how-tos on using Indiana’s online Licensing and Education Access Depot, I-LEAD.
Professional Networks
The best places to learn and grow are often with others who know your struggles and successes. We help child care professionals find places where like-minded individuals can share best practices. These groups provide sustainable ongoing support whether on a peer-to-peer level or as a model for the early education field.
Partnering to
Recruit child care programs into communities in need
Thriving neighborhoods almost always exhibit one particular aspect – availability of quality education. This is not unique to K-12; it’s just as important for our youngest learners, 90% of whose brain development happens by age 5. Our Program Engagement team partners with community leaders and data experts to understand which neighborhoods have the greatest opportunities to recruit new child care businesses – and we provide the tools to invite them in.
If you live or work in a community or organization that could benefit from additional child care capacity, connect with us to begin the process to explore your options.
Free services to
Guide those interested in opening a child care business
Oftentimes, someone knows they have a passion for children, but they’re less sure of how to create a business out of it. Our staff connect and guide this audience through the orientation requirements to become licensed or registered. We also walk alongside emerging child care businesses to help them prepare to open their doors to children with free services including:
- Support with orientation, other required trainings, and Indiana Learning Paths, the state’s online training registration system
- Help filling out and submitting licensing/registration applications
- Onsite or virtual guidance for program locations
- Facilitation of support groups for those interested in opening their own child care business
Free services for
Resource guides and self-help
Sometimes you just need quick, targeted help in the moment. Our Resource Center is available 24/7, whether you need a licensing checklist at 6:00 a.m. or are working on your marketing plan during the weekend. All resources are created by our program engagement experts, who have all been in your shoes. Examples of topics include:
- Early childhood degrees, colleges, credentials, and certifications
- Steps for opening a child care business
- Funding and enhancing your child care business
- Building capacity in your program
- Early childhood education philosophies
- Self-care and wellness
- Health and safety
The latest
Stay in the know
Our team is always keeping a pulse on what child care professionals need and creating resources to support you. Whether you want to download a tip sheet, watch a YouTube video, or learn about new grant opportunities, you can count on us for the latest information. We send our child care program newsletter every three months directly to your inbox, so you can keep up on the latest news. Sign up today!
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Program Engagement Team
We grow with your program
Our team of program specialists are in your corner, every step of the way. If you need help starting a new program, navigating the I-LEAD online licensing portal, or building your child care business, call on one of these caring experts. Fill out our Provider Information Form in English or Spanish or call 317.636.5727 to get connected.
My favorite thing about working with CCA is the resources and the information about growing healthy children and also the education the staff and the directors received along the way. CCA staff is always friendly and helpful with my child care needs.
Angela Hendrix
Administrator, Mount Bethel Christian Academy
For those outside of Marion, Hendricks, and Hamilton Counties
Indiana Child Care Resource & Referral Network Partners
