Why should you choose a licensed child care center? Whether
you're a first-time parent or this is just your first time finding child care, your infant, toddler, or preschooler needs a safe, caring environment where they can develop new skills. If you want to learn more about licensing, take a look at what you need to know about this process and the centers that meet Indiana's minimum
child care provider requirements.
What Does a Child Care Center License Mean?
A license may mean somewhat different things depending on which state or area you live. In general, a license means the center meets the licensing agency's minimum standards for health, safety, staff training, staff educational background, emergency preparedness, and other similar issues important in the early childhood or daycare environment.
The specific steps to licensing depend on the state or local agency. A center may have to submit paperwork, file a formal application, and agree to onsite inspections or evaluations. Licensing inspectors may observe teacher and child interactions, measure interior and exterior spaces, assess safety and cleanliness, and review staff records to look for the minimum levels of training and ongoing professional development.
Who Licenses Child Care Centers In Indiana?
The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration's Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning regulates and licenses child care centers. Like other states, Indiana has a detailed step-by-step process that centers must follow to obtain a child care license. The specific license a provider applies for depends on the type of center. Providers may apply for a center-based, ministry-based, or home care-based license.
If your child's future care provider operates an independent center not located in their home or through a ministry, they will need to follow the requirements for general
child care centers. These types of centers may go by a few different names, such as daycares, child cares, preschool, early learning centers, or early childhood education centers.
How Are Centers Licensed In Indiana?
According to the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, child care center providers must complete two pre-licensing orientations, submit an application, and pass an onsite inspection. Staff from the Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning conduct this inspection.
All licensed centers must meet the state's Child Welfare Services standards to obtain a license and remain licensed. These standards include:
• Health requirements for all staff members (such as a physical exam and TB test)
• Age requirements for staff
• Educational requirements for staff
• Experiential and training requirements for staff
• Adult to child room ratios
• Written emergency plans
• Written illness and injury policies
• Nutrition requirements
• Safety requirements
• School space (indoor and outdoor) requirements
These categories also break down into more specific requirements, such as garbage maintenance inside and outside of the building, specific square footage of space requirements for different areas, and the places the center's staff can or can't assemble snacks and meals.
The state licensing laws also include rules for age- and developmentally appropriate activities and transportation.
How Can Parents Learn More About Indiana State Child Care Licensing?
Does your child's would-be future center have a license? If you
can't answer this question, ask the center's director. The director can provide you with an answer and walk you through basic licensing questions or concerns you may have. You can also visit the state's Child Care Finder website to locate a licensed center.
Does a Child Care Center License Expire or Can the Status Change?
A
child care center license doesn't necessarily expire. But the center must continue to meet the state's minimum requirements to maintain a license. If the center fails to pass onsite inspections, has complaints, or does not submit required documents, they could potentially lose a license.
