Resource Center

Regardless of where you are in your early care and education journey, we’re here to help. Browse or search our resource center for tools, tips, and timely advice, created by our experts at no cost to you.

We know you can’t do it alone. That’s why we’ve created an extensive library of resources to help you with your specific need, when you need it. From diaper changing to deep conversations about complex topics like race, we offer tips and guides to help you with raising your child. Child care professionals can also rely on us from the time their child care business is just an idea, resources to expand your career, and into avoiding burnout as a long-time child care program. Employers can learn why child care is so crucial to their business and then get tips on how to act.

Explore ways to support, elevate, and strengthen early care and education for your unique situation.

Field Trip Planning and Safety

Plan ahead for a safe and fun field trip with your little ones Field trips are a great way to empower children and bring classroom lessons to life. They expose children to sights and sounds they may not otherwise get to experience and can provide opportunities for educators like you to introduce new concepts. They […]

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Family Fun

Central Indy Family Fun Guide Central Indy has a lot to offer families, including museums, parks, events, and more. Whether you are looking for things to do on a rainy day or planning an action-packed staycation, we have outlined some of the great things our city (and state) has to offer. Included in this Guide: […]

Child Care Provider Resource

Play-Based Learning in Child Care

Supporting learning through play Play is not only critical to healthy brain development, but it’s also how children learn to engage with and respond to others. It allows them to use their creativity, develop their imagination, and strengthen their critical thinking. In the resources below, you’ll learn about the lasting impact of play-based learning and […]

Child Care Provider Resource

Child Care Staffing Strategies

Skilled and caring child care professionals: the heart of your child care business Whether you own a family child care home with one other caregiver or manage a staff of dozens in a child care center, it’s important to consider how staffing affects your program, and ultimately, the children you serve. These resources will help […]

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Kindergarten Readiness

Learning begins at birth. Children are born with a great ability to learn and grow and by the time they turn three, they have already begun laying the foundation for life-long learning and success. By supporting all areas of their children’s development, parents are helping their children prepare for school. At a glance Rather than […]

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Power of Play

Create a lasting impact through play Play is not only critical to healthy brain development, but it’s also how children learn to engage with and respond to others. It allows them to use their creativity, develop their imagination, and strengthen their critical thinking. In the resources below, you’ll learn about the lasting impact of play-based […]

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Literacy Development

Practicing literacy skills through play Play is critical to literacy development in young children. It allows them to use their curiosity and creativity, develop critical thinking skills, experiment with language, engage with different styles of text, and strengthen focused attention. In the resources below, you’ll learn about the lasting impact of play-based learning on literacy […]

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STEM Play and Learning

Foster a sense of wonder and imagination through STEM. Play is critical to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) development in young children. It allows them to use their curiosity to develop critical thinking skills, take thoughtful risks, experiment with the scientific process, and ask questions. In the resources below, you’ll learn about the lasting […]

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Math Play & Learning

Practicing math skills through play Play is critical to mathematical development in young children. It allows them to use their curiosity and creativity, develop critical thinking skills, engage with others to solve problems, and strengthen focused attention. In the resources below, you’ll learn about the lasting impact of play-based learning on mathematical development and how […]

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Newborn Essentials

Preparing for Baby Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming! From the nursery to doctor’s appointments, there is much to do and learn as you prepare. Planning for your baby’s arrival should not be stressful, and Child Care Answers is here to support you! Browse below for tips and resources to […]

Employer Resource

Community Help Guide

Central Indiana Community Resources Each Indiana community is unique in its needs and opportunities. Child Care Answers is here to support you as a resident, leader, employee, or supporter of child care in Hamilton, Hendricks, or Marion Counties with community resources for child care. One common thread runs throughout all of Indiana – affordable, high-quality […]

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Using Visual Supports

Using visuals to support everyday routines and transitions As adults we use visuals every day. Some examples include calendars, to-do lists, maps, and assembly instructions. Therefore, it isn’t hard to see why children would benefit from similar supports. What are visual aids? Visual aids are communication tools that act as a cue for children to […]

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Talking to Children About Diversity

Celebrating Differences Conversations about differences will look different for each family. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach, the science is clear: the earlier parents start conversations with their children the better. You are the example your child follows You are your child’s introduction into the world. What they see you do is just as important […]

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Planning a Child Care Tour

Selecting the right program Navigating child care tours You have your list of providers that meet your initial child care search criteria – now what? The next step is to narrow your search to find the best fit for your family. Additional research will help you determine which programs best meet your needs or if […]

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Choosing Care

Choosing Quality Care – A Guide for Families Choosing an early care and education program for your child is one of your most important decisions. As your child’s first and best teacher, you want what’s best for them while you’re away – a healthy, safe, and nurturing environment that will ensure they’re prepared for kindergarten […]

Child Care Provider Resource

Build Capacity in Your Child Care Program

Take steps to provide quality care for more children There are a lot of questions about child care in Indiana, but we know one thing: we need more high quality child care seats to serve Indiana’s children. As a child care provider or business owner, there are a number of ways that you can do […]

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Early Childhood Degrees and Colleges

Jump start your early childhood career with formal education You might consider pursuing a college degree in early childhood education if you: Plan to start your own child care business Want to make a career change to the early care and education field Want to broaden your knowledge of early childhood education and philosophies Have […]

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Child Care Credentials and Certifications

Early childhood credentials and certifications Early childhood credentials and certifications can help you learn more about targeted areas within the the early childhood education field. When you have a credential or certificate, current or potential employers see you as dedicated to growing in your career. Licensing and Paths to QUALITY may also accept or require […]

Child Care Provider Resource

Open a Child Care Business

Becoming a Child Care Provider You know one thing – you have a passion for children and want to make a career of it. We’re here to help you figure out what comes next. First: determine the type of care you want to provide In Indiana, you can provide quality care through a number of […]

Child Care Provider Resource

Self-Care and Wellness for Child Care Professionals

A child care professional’s guide to self-care A career in the early care and education field can be rewarding, but it can be busy and challenging, too! You’re often putting in long hours with little pay. Some days it may feel like you can barely go to the bathroom for a minute, let alone take […]

Employer Resource

Business Investments in Early Learning

Action Steps for Business Investment in Child Care You may have seen first-hand how lack of access to quality child care has a direct impact on your employees, and, therefore, your business. Issues with child care can affect recruiting, retention, and employee productivity. So, what can you to help solve these issues? Take a look […]

Employer Resource

Effects of Child Care on Businesses and the Economy

Why employers need to know how child care affects their businesses Every year, Indiana loses $3 billion due to lack of high-quality child care options for Hoosier families. Employees miss work and have to quit their jobs; or, employers let them go as a result of child care issues. Increasingly, businesses are turning to child […]

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Bedtime and Sleep

Bedtime Basics Sleep is more important than you may think. The average kid has a busy day – playing, school, sports and activities, and doing homework. By the end of the day, your child’s body needs a break. Your child’s brain and body are growing while they sleep. Establishing healthy sleep habits From infants and […]

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On My Way Pre-K (OMWPK)

What is On My Way Pre-K (OMWPK) ? OMWPK 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. The program is flexible and is built around the needs of families, offering options for full-day or partial-day programs. To participate in the program, […]

Child Care Provider Resource

Open a Child Care Ministry

Opening an unlicensed registered child care ministry As you begin the journey to making a difference in the lives of Indiana’s children, Child Care Answers is here to guide you through the process of starting your child care ministry. You have a number of options to consider when opening a ministry, which each include separate […]

Child Care Provider Resource

Open a Child Care Home

Open a Family Child Care Home As you begin the journey to making a difference in the lives of Indiana’s children, Child Care Answers is here to guide you through the process of starting your child care business. To open a licensed family child care home, you’ll need to fulfill a variety of requirements. We’re […]

Child Care Provider Resource

Open a Child Care Center

Steps to open a licensed child care center As you begin the journey to making a difference in the lives of Indiana’s children, Child Care Answers is here to guide you through the process of starting your child care business. To open a child care center, you’ll need to go through a variety of requirements. […]

Child Care Provider Resource

Child Care Licensing and Regulations

Understand regulations for your child care business While your heart is with children, administering child care licensing and regulations for your program is also crucial. You should continually work to ensure you child care business operates within state and local guidelines for safety and stability. Although the requirements vary depending on the type of care […]

Child Care Provider Resource

Health and Safety for Child Care Programs

Keeping child care health and safety at the forefront of your child care business Your number one job as a child care provider is to implement and follow health and safety policies and procedures. This not only ensures the health and safety of the children in your care but also your staff and families. These […]

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Paths to QUALITY™ Program for Families

Your Path to Choosing Quality Care for Your Family With so many different options for your child, how do you know which is the best for you? Start with Paths to QUALITY™ (PTQ), Indiana’s quality rating improvement rating system for child care providers. Participation in the program is voluntary, but all participating programs must meet […]

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Types of Care

Child Care in Indiana Providers can serve children in a number of environments, from large centers in a commercial setting to small groups in a provider’s home. In Indiana, you can find safe, high-quality programs in homes, centers, schools and faith-based early learning settings. Programs can vary greatly, and not all have the same licensing […]

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Head Start

Quality Care for Low-Income Families Head Start programs promote the school readiness of infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children from low-income families. Head Start Programs Programs are available at no cost to children ages birth to five from low-income families. Programs may provide transportation to the centers so enrolled children can participate regularly. Families and children […]

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Nanny Care

Choosing the Right Nanny for Your Family Nannies can be an invaluable resource for families with children and many times become a part of the family. If you’re looking to hire a nanny, here are some important must-knows before you start the hiring process. What can a nanny do for me? A nanny’s primary role […]

Child Care Provider Resource

Enhance Your Child Care Business

Building a better child care program Just as young learners are always changing and learning, your program can benefit from opportunities to grow and improve too. Take time to consider how to continuously improve your environment and curriculum, attract new families to your program, and shore up your finances. Consider these possibilities to help you […]

Child Care Provider Resource

Becoming an On My Way Pre-K Provider

Sign on to On My Way Pre-K (OMWPK) If you have advanced to Level 3 or Level 4 in Paths to QUALITY™, you may consider applying to participate in the On My Way Pre-K initiative. Families who receive these scholarships must choose an OMWPK program, so this is a good way to get your program’s […]

Child Care Provider Resource

Inscripción al curso del programa de cuidado infantil

Cómo registrarse en I-LEAD e Indiana Learning Paths I-LEAD, el sistema de documentación y licencias de cuidado infantil en línea de Indiana, es una forma sencilla de administrar sus licencias, verificaciones de antecedentes y desarrollo profesional. I-LEAD incluye una forma de acceder y registrarse para sesiones presenciales y en línea: Indiana Learning Paths. Estos son los […]

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Finding Child Care

At Child Care Answers, we’ve made searching for child care easier than ever. We help families look for quality child care, preschool, and school-age programs. Our services are free and accessible to all Central Indiana families. In order to provide the most current information to families, our database is updated every six months to reflect […]

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Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)

What is CCDF? The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) helps low-income families obtain child care so they can work, attend training, or continue their education. The purpose of CCDF is to provide low-income families with the financial resources to locate and afford quality child care, as well as increase the availability of these programs. […]

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Paying for Child Care

Child Care is Expensive! It shouldn’t be the only factor in your decision, but for many families, cost of care is an important factor in choosing care. Costs can vary dramatically due to location, size of the program, the age of the child, and the resources made available for the children and staff – among […]

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Financial Assistance

Your Guide to Family Assistance Resources in Central Indiana Here at Child Care Answers, we work to ensure all young children in central Indiana are participating in high-quality early education. This includes working with families with young children in order to access resources, plan for the future, and thrive as a successful family unit. Check […]

Child Care Provider Resource

Child Care Program Course Registration

How to Register in I-LEAD and Indiana Learning Paths I-LEAD, Indiana’s online child care licensing and documentation system, is a simple way for you to manage your licensing, background checks and professional development. Included in I-LEAD is a way to access and register for face-to-face and online sessions: Indiana Learning Paths. Here are the steps […]

Child Care Provider Resource

Funding Your Child Care Business

Opportunities to Financially Support Your Program Although families provide you funds via tuition, you can explore a number of opportunities for additional assistance funding your child care. Read more below for contacts and information.

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Language Development

The Power of Language Talking and listening to your child is one of the best ways to support them during the critical brain-building years. Because language is foundational to all other areas of development, simple conversations (talking and listening to your child), reading, and labeling things in your child’s environment are some of the best […]

Child Care Provider Resource

Early Childhood Education Philosophies

Approaches to Early Learning Early childhood education philosophies vary from program to program. You may decide to model your program after one or a number of different types. As your program grows and evolves, it is important to evaluate how you and your families are most comfortable with caring for and educating the children in […]

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Empathy

Helping Your Child Develop Empathy Empathy is the ability to imagine how someone else is feeling in a particular situation and respond with care. This is a very complex skill for young children (and even adults!) to develop. Being able to empathize with another person means that a child: Understands that they are a separate […]

Child Care Provider Resource

Professional Development for Early Childhood Educators

Develop yourself as a professional Meaningful professional development for early childhood educators is essential to advancing in your career. From introductory sessions to college degrees, ongoing education gives you the knowledge and experience to provide the best possible learning experiences for the children you serve.

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Preschool and School Age Play and Learning

Create a lasting impact through play Play is not only critical to healthy brain development, but it’s also how children learn to engage with and respond to others. It allows them to use their creativity, develop their imagination, and strengthen their critical thinking. In the resources below, you’ll learn about the lasting impact of play-based […]

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Special Education

Navigating the Special Education Process This toolkit helps make sense of an often confusing system and educates families of newly diagnosed children with special needs on how to get the best special education, services, and resources available to them. You are the expert on your child Many parents wish their children came with instruction booklets. […]

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Self-Care & Wellness for Parents

A Parent’s Guide to Self-Care Parenthood can be busy and challenging. Parents manage a lot for their families, and some days it may feel like you don’t get a minute to yourself. We have resources to help you shift the narrative and prioritize self-care to ensure your whole family thrives. Making time for yourself is […]

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Parenting Children with Special Needs

Expanding Your Parenting Toolkit Parenting a child is perhaps one of the most challenging tasks we will face during our lifetime. In addition to the usual stresses and strains of parenthood, parents of children with special needs face additional pressures and must learn to cope with challenges in ways that will enhance, rather than hinder, […]