All Resources
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 you provide, these resources can give you a place to start to understand what to do or who to contact.
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.
All child care providers (including all applicants, staff, and volunteers) are required to get a national criminal history check. You must go through OECOSL’s preferred provider, IdentoGO, for fingerprinting. Learn more…
Staff and household members may also be required to complete a drug screen. Rule of thumb – screenings need to be dated within 60 days of submitting your licensing application. Find a testing facility near you.
Check with your local zoning board to ensure that your program meets all the necessary requirements for your county, city, or town.
All CCDF programs must also provide documentation that their program is legally allowed to operate as a business in the county, city, or town in which the program is located. The Office of Early Childhood and Out of School Learning requires the following you apply for or renew your license:
Indianapolis does not require a business permit or license. However, many of Marion County’s other incorporated cities and towns do. See below for specifics for your city or town.
Most cities and towns in Hamilton County do not require a business permit or license. However, some do. See below for specifics for your city or town, or contact the Hamilton County Planning Department at 317.776.8490 or planning.dept@hamiltoncounty.in.gov.
Most cities and towns in Hendricks County do not require a business permit or license. However, some do. See below for specifics for your city or town.
