Indiana Childcare Licensing Requirements: A Complete Guide

Overview: who regulates childcare in Indiana?

In Indiana, childcare licensing is administered by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), specifically through its Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning (OECOSL). This office is responsible for setting minimum standards under Indiana Code 12-17.2 and Indiana Administrative Code 470 IAC 3-4.7, processing applications, conducting inspections, and enforcing compliance for all regulated childcare operations in the state.

Indiana requires licensing for childcare operations that serve unrelated children on a regular basis. The type of license you need depends on the setting and capacity of your program:

• Licensed Child Care Center: A facility that is not the provider's home and provides care for children. Centers are regulated under 470 IAC 3-4.7 and must meet requirements for staffing, space, health and safety, and record-keeping.

• Licensed Child Care Home: A home-based operation that provides regular care for children. Home providers are regulated under 470 IAC 3-1.1 and must meet home-specific standards for capacity, safety, and supervision.

• Registered Child Care Ministry: A church or religious organization that operates a childcare program. Ministries register with FSSA and must meet certain health and safety standards, though requirements differ from licensed centers.

• Legally Licensed Exempt Provider (LLEP): Providers who care for children receiving state childcare assistance (CCDF) but are not required to hold a full license. LLEPs must meet basic health and safety requirements set by FSSA.

How to apply for an Indiana childcare license

The Indiana childcare licensing application process involves several steps, managed through the FSSA's online I-LEAD system. Plan for the process to take several weeks to several months, depending on how quickly you can meet all requirements.

1. 1

   Complete Orientation 1 training

   All applicants must complete Orientation 1, which covers the start-up process and general information for childcare providers. This training is available online through Indiana Learning Paths on the I-LEAD platform.

2. 2

   Complete Orientation 2 training

   After Orientation 1, center applicants must complete Orientation 2, which focuses on preparation for licensure. This training is also available through I-LEAD and covers the specific requirements you will need to meet.

3. 3

   Submit your application through I-LEAD

   Applications are submitted online through the I-LEAD system. You will need to provide information about your facility, staffing plan, and organizational structure. Everyone listed in the Educators section of the application must accept their educator invitation and complete a consent form once the application is submitted.

4. 4

   Complete background checks

   Background checks are required for all owners, directors, caregivers, volunteers, and anyone who will have unsupervised access to children. Background checks must be completed before your license can be issued.

5. 5

   Pass the on-site inspection

   A licensing consultant from the Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning will conduct an on-site inspection of your facility to verify it meets all minimum standards for space, safety, equipment, and documentation. Any deficiencies must be corrected before your license is granted.

Indiana staff-to-child ratio requirements

Indiana sets specific staff-to-child ratios and maximum group sizes based on the ages of children in care. These ratios are defined in 470 IAC 3-4.7, Sections 47 and 48, and must be maintained at all times when children are in care, including during outdoor play, transitions, and field trips.

Indiana also allows alternative mixed-age groupings under certain conditions. For mixed-age groups (birth to 24 months), a staff-to-child ratio of 1:4 must be maintained, with a maximum group size of 8, and no more than 3 children under 12 months of age in each group.

These ratios are from 470 IAC 3-4.7 and the FSSA Center Ratio Chart. Verify current ratios with FSSA, as legislative changes may update these numbers. For help planning your classroom staffing, try our ratio calculator.

Staff qualification and training requirements

Indiana has specific requirements for directors and caregivers working in licensed childcare centers.

• Orientation training: All new staff must complete 8 hours of free orientation training provided by FSSA before working with children. This training covers health and safety standards, child development basics, and Indiana's licensing requirements.

• Annual training hours: All direct child care staff must complete a minimum of 20 hours of training annually on topics prescribed by FSSA. Training topics include child development, health and safety, guidance and discipline, and other areas required by the state.

• CPR and First Aid: At least one adult with current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) applicable to all age groups of children in care must be present at all times when children are at the center. All direct child care providers must complete a First Aid course every three years, covering emergency treatment of poisoning, seizures, hemorrhaging, and choking.

• TB testing: TB test documentation is required for all staff at licensed centers and homes. Administrative rules require current TB testing as part of the licensing process.

• High school student volunteers: As of July 1, 2025, high school students age 15 or older may participate as volunteers if they are supervised at all times and actively engaged in an approved practicum role.

Background check requirements

Indiana requires comprehensive background checks for all individuals who work in or have access to children in licensed childcare operations.

• Who must be checked: All owners, directors, caregivers, substitutes, volunteers with unsupervised access, and any adults regularly present at the facility during operating hours. For home-based operations, all household members over the age of 18 must be checked.

• Criminal history check: A thorough background check includes a review of criminal history and employment history. This covers both state and federal criminal records to ensure the safety and protection of children.

• Registry checks: Background screening includes the sex offender registry and the child abuse and neglect registry.

• Renewal requirement: Background checks must be renewed every three years after the initial issuance of the license. Providers are responsible for ensuring all staff maintain current background check clearances.

• Timing: Background checks must be completed before a person has direct, unsupervised contact with children in care. There is no grace period for this requirement.

Facility and space requirements

Your physical space must meet Indiana's minimum standards under 470 IAC 3-4.7 before a license can be issued. Key requirements include:

• Indoor space: A minimum of 35 square feet of usable indoor activity space per child is required. This measurement excludes kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, staff-only areas, and storage. For infant rooms, 50 square feet per child of usable play space is required.

• Outdoor space: A minimum of 75 square feet of outdoor play area per child. Outdoor areas must be fenced and free of hazards, with age-appropriate equipment that meets safety standards.

• Age-appropriate equipment: All furniture, cribs, and play equipment must be safe, in good repair, and appropriate for the ages of children enrolled. Cribs must meet current Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.

• Fire safety: Working smoke detectors and fire extinguishers must be installed and maintained. Regular fire drills are required and must be documented. Your facility must have a posted evacuation plan.

• Health and sanitation: Your facility must pass a health and safety inspection covering sanitation, food preparation areas, diaper changing stations, handwashing facilities, and general cleanliness.

• Stability provision: As of the 2025 legislative changes, programs will not be subject to new or revised building, fire safety, or equipment requirements for two years following an inspection or plan review. This provision applies to any review conducted before July 1, 2025, or within the two years following that date.

Health and safety requirements

Indiana's minimum standards include detailed health and safety requirements that licensed operations must follow every day.

• Immunization records: Up-to-date immunization records are required for all enrolled children. Records must be on file and available for inspection at all times.

• Medication administration: Medications may only be administered with written parent authorization. All medication administration must be documented, including the medication name, dosage, time given, and the staff member who administered it.

• Handwashing: Proper handwashing procedures must be followed by both staff and children, including before and after meals, after diaper changes, after using the restroom, and after outdoor play.

• Safe sleep practices: For infants, Indiana requires adherence to safe sleep guidelines. Infants must be placed on their backs to sleep in approved cribs, with no soft bedding, pillows, bumper pads, or toys in the sleep area.

• Emergency procedures: Written emergency procedures must be posted and practiced regularly. Staff must know what to do in the event of a fire, severe weather, medical emergency, or other crisis.

• Illness exclusion: Operations must have a written illness exclusion policy and procedures for notifying parents when their child becomes ill during the day.

Record-keeping requirements

Indiana licensing requires childcare operations to maintain detailed records that are available for review during inspections. Keeping these records organized and current is one of the most important things you can do to stay in compliance.

• Attendance records: Daily sign-in and sign-out records for every child, with the time recorded for each entry. These records must be retained for the period specified by FSSA.

• Child enrollment records: Complete enrollment information for each child, including emergency contacts, authorized pickup persons, medical information, allergies, and immunization records.

• Staff records: Personnel files for every employee, including background check results, training documentation, CPR and First Aid certifications, TB test results, and employment history.

• Incident reports: Written documentation of any injuries, accidents, or unusual incidents that occur at the facility, including details of what happened and what actions were taken.

• Fire drill logs: Documentation of every fire drill conducted, including the date, time, number of children and staff present, and evacuation time.

Paths to QUALITY: Indiana's quality rating system

Paths to QUALITY is Indiana's Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS). It is a voluntary program that recognizes childcare providers who go beyond minimum licensing standards. The system has four levels, each building on the foundation of the previous one:

• Level 1, Health and Safety: The program has demonstrated it is operating in good standing and has met all required health and safety standards set by the state.

• Level 2, Learning Environment: The program demonstrates a commitment to improving quality. It offers environments that support children's growth, development, and learning, with evidence of a consistent daily schedule, planned activities, and sharing program information with families.

• Level 3, Planned Curriculum: The program uses a curriculum that supports children's learning and school readiness. This level requires intentional planning and implementation of developmental activities.

• Level 4, National Accreditation: The highest rating. The program has achieved national accreditation from a recognized organization such as NAEYC, NAC, or NECPA, demonstrating a commitment to the highest level of professionalism and quality.

Participation in Paths to QUALITY is voluntary, but achieving a higher rating can increase your visibility to parents and may improve your eligibility for state childcare assistance reimbursement.

Inspections and ongoing compliance

Once licensed, your operation will be subject to ongoing monitoring by FSSA's Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning.

• Unannounced inspections: OECOSL conducts unannounced inspections of licensed childcare operations during normal operating hours. These inspections can happen at any time and may cover any aspect of your operation.

• Corrective action: If deficiencies are found during an inspection, the operation is given a specified timeframe to correct the issues. The timeframe depends on the severity of the deficiency.

• Adverse actions: Repeated or serious violations can result in adverse actions, including probation, license suspension, or license revocation. Violations posing an immediate threat to children can result in emergency action.

• License renewal: Licenses must be renewed periodically. Providers must maintain compliance with all standards and keep background checks current (renewed every three years) to maintain their license.

Resources

Here are key resources for Indiana childcare providers:

• FSSA Carefinder: The official state website for childcare licensing, including application forms, laws and rules, the interpretive guide for center rules, and provider resources (in.gov/fssa/carefinder).

• Paths to QUALITY: Indiana's quality rating and improvement system. Information about levels, enrollment, and benefits is available at in.gov/fssa/pathstoquality.

• Brighter Futures Indiana: A parent-facing resource that helps families find quality childcare and provides information about Paths to QUALITY ratings (brighterfuturesindiana.org).

• Indiana Association for Child Care Resource and Referral (IACCRR): Local CCR&R agencies that provide training, technical assistance, and support to childcare providers across the state.