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.
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Join us as we connect with organizations across Hendricks County to explore opportunities for child care and parenting supports!
Your guide to early childhood mental health resources in Hamilton County, Indiana Here at Child Care Answers, in partnership with A Healthier Hamilton County: Systems of Care, we work to ensure all families and child care professionals in central Indiana have the necessary resources to access and navigate behavioral and mental health services. Included in […]
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 […]
Central Indiana Family Fun Guide Central Indiana 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: […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
