| License type | Childcare center |
| Regulating agency | Indiana Family and Social Services Administration — Division of Family Resources — Child Care Licensing |
| Regulatory code | 470 IAC 3-1 (Child Care Centers); IC 12-17.2-4-14.5 (updated eff. Dec 1, 2025) |
| Infant ratio | 1:4 (max group: —) |
| Toddler ratio | 1:6 (max group: —) |
| Preschool ratio | 1:10 (max group: —) |
Indiana licensed childcare center: Staff-to-child ratio requirements
Licensed childcare centers in Indiana must maintain specific staff-to-child ratios at all times as required by Indiana Family and Social Services Administration under 470 IAC 3-1 (Child Care Centers); IC 12-17.2-4-14.5 (updated eff. Dec 1, 2025).
| Age group | Staff:child ratio | Max group size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infant (0–18 months) | 1:4 | — | Birth–12 months |
| Toddler (18–36 months) | 1:6 | — | 12–36 months; rules updated Dec 1, 2025 (IC 12-17.2-4-14.5) |
| Preschool (3–5 years) | 1:10 | — | 3yr = 1:10; 4yr = 1:12 |
Source: 470 IAC 3-1 (Child Care Centers); IC 12-17.2-4-14.5 (updated eff. Dec 1, 2025), Indiana Family and Social Services Administration. Always verify current ratios directly with IN FSSA.
Indiana licensed childcare center: Credential & training requirements
Director / Operator requirements
Indiana childcare center directors must meet minimum education and experience requirements established by Indiana Family and Social Services Administration under 470 IAC 3-1 (Child Care Centers); IC 12-17.2-4-14.5 (updated eff. Dec 1, 2025). Most states require directors to hold a combination of early childhood education (ECE) college coursework, teaching or administrative experience, and a valid background clearance. Some states require a specific director credential or permit. Contact Indiana Family and Social Services Administration for the current director qualification standard applicable to your program type.
Teacher / Caregiver requirements
Lead teachers and caregivers in Indiana licensed childcare centers must meet minimum education requirements set by Indiana Family and Social Services Administration. Requirements often include ECE college coursework or an equivalent credential (such as a Child Development Associate — CDA credential), plus ongoing continuing education. Aides or assistant teachers typically must be at least 18 years old and work under the direct supervision of a qualified lead teacher.
Annual training requirements
All center staff in Indiana are typically required to complete annual continuing education hours approved by Indiana Family and Social Services Administration. CPR and pediatric first aid certification is required for most childcare center staff and must be kept current. Contact Indiana Family and Social Services Administration for the current annual training hour requirement and approved training topics.
Indiana licensed childcare center: Facility requirements
The following physical environment standards apply to licensed childcare centers in Indiana under 470 IAC 3-1 (Child Care Centers); IC 12-17.2-4-14.5 (updated eff. Dec 1, 2025).
| Indoor space | Minimum square footage per child required; verify with IN FSSA for your age group and license type |
| Outdoor space | Fenced outdoor play area required; minimum square footage per child; age-appropriate equipment |
| Infant sleeping | Dedicated sleeping area; individual cribs or safe sleep surfaces for infants |
| Emergency exits | Clearly marked, unobstructed; fire evacuation plan posted; regular fire drills required |
| Background checks | Live Scan or equivalent fingerprint background check required for all staff with child contact |
| Health & safety | Health department and/or fire authority inspection required before license issuance |
How to get a childcare center license in Indiana
The childcare center licensing process in Indiana is administered by Indiana Family and Social Services Administration. The general steps are:
- Contact Indiana Family and Social Services Administration — Division of Family Resources — Child Care Licensing to request a licensing application packet and pre-application guidance.
- Submit a completed application including facility information, disclosure forms, and background check authorization for all staff with child contact.
- Complete background checks (fingerprinting) for the owner/director and all staff.
- Obtain local fire clearance and any required health department inspection for the facility.
- Pass a pre-licensing site visit from a IN FSSA licensing analyst verifying compliance with 470 IAC 3-1 (Child Care Centers); IC 12-17.2-4-14.5 (updated eff. Dec 1, 2025) physical environment requirements.
- Receive your childcare center license from Indiana Family and Social Services Administration. Each physical location requires a separate license.
Licensing contact: Indiana Family and Social Services Administration — Division of Family Resources — Child Care Licensing.
Official resource: https://in.gov/fssa/carefinder/child-care-licensing
Always be in ratio — brightwheel makes it automatic.
Brightwheel’s real-time attendance tracking alerts staff the moment any Indiana classroom approaches ratio limits required under 470 IAC 3-1 (Child Care Centers); IC 12-17.2-4-14.5 (updated eff. Dec 1, 2025).
Frequently asked questions: Indiana childcare center licensing
Sources & references
This page was compiled from official government sources. Always verify current requirements directly with Indiana Family and Social Services Administration before making licensing or compliance decisions.
- Indiana Family and Social Services Administration — childcare center licensing
- ACF Licensing Regulations Database — Indiana
Also in this guide: Indiana Small Family Child Care Home Requirements, Indiana Large Family Child Care Home Requirements, Indiana Preschool Requirements