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Open a Child Care Center

Child Care Provider
Business & Employer Resources Opening a Child Care Business

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. We’re here to hold your hand, every step of the way.

center trainings
Step One

Complete required trainings

In order to become licensed as a child care center, you must complete the following trainings. You will register for all trainings in Indiana Learning Paths, which you can access through the I-LEAD portal. All of these courses are available online 24/7 and some Orientation classes may be available in a face-to-face or live-virtual format.

  • Orientation I
  • Orientation II for Child Care Centers
  • Safe Sleeping Practices and Reducing the Risk of SIDS in Child Care
  • Indiana Health and Safety Orientation
  • Child Abuse and Neglect Detection and Prevention
How to Register Cómo registrarse en español
cohort zoom
Step Two

Join a support group

Although not required for licensing, we highly recommend that you join one of our free emerging child care provider support groups. These cohorts are based on the individual needs of the people in your group, and we meet monthly.

We discuss resources for funding, food programs, furniture and materials, and professional development. We also bring in experts so you have an opportunity to ask questions. Presenters may include licensing consultants, current providers, marketing specialists, tax accountants, or attorneys.

Sign Up Contacta en Español
preschool classroom
Step Three

Understand and fulfill requirements for your building and program

You will learn more in Orientation II about what is required for a child care center for building and zoning codes. You will also need to check with your local municipality. Some municipalities require you to submit plans to be approved by the Department of Fire & Building Services and/or the Indiana Department of Health/Sanitary Engineering.

The Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning (OECOSL) mandates child care center rules and regulations and the application process from a state perspective. This includes requirements such as fingerprinting and drug testing for all staff. You’ll also need to ensure you abide by local regulations for your county, city, or town.

Licensing Requirements
mock inspection
Step Four

Schedule a free mock inspection or walk-through

Although not required, our program engagement specialists can do a walkthrough of your center before the licensing consultant comes for your inspection. We can provide guidance on:

  • Environment and materials
  • Marketing
  • Administrative records and budgets
  • Lesson plans
Schedule with Us Contacta en Español
center application
Step Five

Submit your application

The application for child care centers includes items such as written plans for food service, health programs, handbooks, fees, and forms. You will also need to include documentation of your education and experience as a director, as well as that of all of your teaching and child staff. Other required documentation includes information about your organization, such as purpose, board of directors, and funding sources. You will learn more in your Orientation II class, but we are happy to offer free support as you are pulling together the information needed for your application. When you are ready, you will submit your licensing application in I-LEAD.

More about I-LEAD Request 1:1 Support Contacta en Español
licensing visit
Step Six

Pass on-site inspection and get provisional license!

You contact your licensing consultant when your building is ready to schedule an inspection. Your consultant will connect you with the fire marshall inspection. The initial inspection is usually scheduled within 30 days of receiving the request.

Contact Your Consultant
https://childcareanswers.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/780-x-500-Featured-Video-6-1.png play button
Featured Video

Introduction to Fire & Building Codes for Licensed Child Care Centers

This video from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security highlights the paperwork you'll need to keep on file for your fire marshall inspection. You'll also learn some of the main violations that inspectors look for.

Licensing Requirements

Center Directors

Know your director requirements. Keep in mind the directors of a licensed center must meet these requirements.

For more information about how to fulfill these requirements, see our Degrees and Colleges and Certifications and Credentials resources.

  • Be 21 years of age

  • Be on-site for a minimum of 30 hours per week

  • Fulfill “Director Responsibilities” as outlined in licensing requirements

  • Hold one of these two combinations of degrees/credentials. You will be required to submit documentation of your education and experience in your licensing application:

    • A. / B.S. degree in either Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education; OR
    • Any other B.A. / B.S. degree with either 15 credit hours in Early Childhood Education OR a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, Certified Childcare Professional (CCP), Preschool Associates Credential (PAC), or, if a school-age lead caregiver may obtain an Indiana Youth Development Credential
  • 2-Year Associate degree in Early Childhood Education AND a minimum of three years of experience in a licensed child care center or home

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Contact Us

info@childcareanswers.org
Phone: 317.636.5727 Toll Free: 800.272.2937
1776 N. Meridian St., Suite 101
Indianapolis, IN 46202

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