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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 requirements or health and safety standards. Your child’s personality and your personal preference may lead you to one type over another.

Care options include:

Licensed and unlicensed child care center
Registered ministry or religious-based preschool
Licensed and unlicensed family child care
Private school and preschool programs
Co-op preschool programs
Nanny or in-home care
Head Start and Early Head Start
Public school and developmental preschool

Locating Care

Finding care has never been easier! Our specialists can consult with you on which type of child care will best fit your needs, based on your child’s age or special needs. Click the orange button to fill out our easy-to-use online form!

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Child Care Answers can grow with your family

Since 1985, Child Care Answers has been a go-to resource for all things child care: an advisor, a collaborator, a guide, and—most importantly—a hand to hold. Our goal is to create seamless experiences for you, working together to minimize any unnecessary hoops. We want our families to find trusted care and quality information about their child’s development.

Types of Care

Indiana has many kinds of child care programs.

Different families like different kinds of child care programs. In Indiana, you can find safe, high-quality programs in homes, centers and faith-based early learning settings. Programs can vary greatly, and not all have the same health and safety standards.

Brighter Futures Indiana

Licensed Centers

Licensed child care centers are traditional care options that provide care in a commercial building and must meet Indiana’s state licensing regulations.

Licensed Family Child Care

Licensed family child care programs provide care in a residential setting for more than five children who are not related to the child care provider. They must meet Indiana’s state licensing requirements.

Registered Ministries

Registered ministries provide care in a facility operated by a religious organization. Ministries may participate in a Voluntary Certification Program (VCP), which demonstrates they meet health, safety, and nutrition requirements and they follow applicable infant and toddler rules.

School-aged Programs

School-aged programs typically care for children ages 5-13 during before-and after-school hours and/or during some breaks and holidays. These programs may operate alongside other early childhood programs, other public or private schools, or stand alone. Requirements vary depending on program type.

Unlicensed Family Child Care

Unlicensed family child care programs provide care in a residential setting for up to five children who are not related to the child care provider. These programs are not required to be licensed by the state, although they can be certified to accept CCDF vouchers if they meet specific eligibility standards.

School-Based Preschool

School-based preschool programs are early childhood care affiliated with a public or private school. These programs are not regulated by the state but may follow guidelines associated with their individual school districts. Programs that serve as developmental preschools for children with special needs fall into this category.

Program Safety Requirements

Read more below to find out more programs’ diverse safety requirements. The more you know, the more you can feel confident about your choice.

Learn More

Types of Care

Traditional child care isn't your only care option!

There are so many choices when it comes to finding child care for your family. While traditional care includes child care centers, family child care, and ministry-based care, your choices vary beyond these.

Nanny Care

Nannies can be an invaluable resource for families with children and many times become a part of the family. Learn more about choosing the right nanny for your family.

Choosing a Nanny

Preschool Programs

Preschool programs are often part-day programs that operate during the school year that provide a school-like setting for children between the ages of 3 and 5.

Preschool Guide

Head Start

Head Start is a federal program that promotes the school readiness of children under five from low-income families by enhancing their cognitive, social, and emotional development.

Head Start Programs

Child Care in Indiana

Care options include:

Locating Care

Child Care Answers can grow with your family

Indiana has many kinds of child care programs.

Licensed Centers

Licensed Family Child Care

Registered Ministries

School-aged Programs

Unlicensed Family Child Care

School-Based Preschool

Program Safety Requirements

Traditional child care isn't your only care option!

Nanny Care

Preschool Programs

Head Start

Read more about quality care in Indiana.

Pre-K: Which environment is best for your family?

Paths to QUALITY™ Program for Families

Paying for Child Care

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