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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.
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.
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. Currently, our cohort meets virtually every week for an hour, but your group may choose what works best for you.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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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