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Indiana Preschool Licensing Requirements

Licensing requirements, staff-to-child ratios, and teacher credential requirements for preschool programs in Indiana.

Indiana Preschool — Compliance Quick Reference

Ages served	Typically 2.5–5 years (verify with IN FSSA)
Preschool ratio (licensed center)	1:10, max group —
Regulating agency (private preschool)	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)

Indiana preschool: Staff-to-child ratio requirements

Preschool programs 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).

Program type	Staff:child ratio	Max group size	Notes
Private preschool (licensed center) (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 with IN FSSA.

Indiana preschool: Credential & training requirements

Director / Operator requirements

Private preschools operating under a Indiana childcare center license require a director meeting Indiana Family and Social Services Administration’s qualification standards under 470 IAC 3-1 (Child Care Centers); IC 12-17.2-4-14.5 (updated eff. Dec 1, 2025). Requirements typically include ECE coursework, administrative experience, and background clearance. Some states require a specific director credential or permit for programs serving preschool-age children.

Teacher / Caregiver requirements

Preschool lead teachers in Indiana must meet minimum education requirements set by Indiana Family and Social Services Administration. Most states require at minimum a CDA credential or equivalent ECE college coursework for preschool teachers. Contact Indiana Family and Social Services Administration for the current teacher qualification standard, as requirements may differ between privately licensed and state-funded programs.

Annual training requirements

All preschool staff at Indiana-licensed programs must complete continuing education hours annually. CPR and pediatric first aid are required for all direct-care staff. State-funded programs may have additional professional development requirements tied to their funding contract.

How to get a preschool license in Indiana

Private preschool programs in Indiana follow the childcare center licensing process administered by Indiana Family and Social Services Administration:

Determine which licensing pathway applies: Indiana Family and Social Services Administration center license (private preschool).
For a private preschool: apply for a childcare center license through Indiana Family and Social Services Administration — Division of Family Resources — Child Care Licensing. The process includes application, background checks, and pre-licensing inspection.
Ensure the director meets Indiana Family and Social Services Administration’s qualification requirements before the license is issued.
Ensure lead preschool teachers meet the credential or coursework requirements under 470 IAC 3-1 (Child Care Centers); IC 12-17.2-4-14.5 (updated eff. Dec 1, 2025).
Complete the pre-licensing inspection and any additional requirements.

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

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Frequently asked questions: Indiana preschool licensing

Does a private preschool in Indiana need a childcare center license?

Yes — private preschool programs in Indiana that serve children in a group setting are typically required to be licensed as a childcare center 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). The staff-to-child ratio for preschool-age children (3–5 years) in a licensed center is 1:10 with a maximum group size of —. Contact Indiana Family and Social Services Administration for the licensing threshold (how many children trigger the licensing requirement).

What teaching credential does a Indiana preschool teacher need?

Indiana preschool teacher credential requirements are set 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 lead preschool teachers to hold at minimum a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent early childhood education college coursework. Contact Indiana Family and Social Services Administration for the current credential standard applicable to your program type and funding source.

What is the staff-to-child ratio for a Indiana preschool classroom?

For private preschool programs licensed by Indiana Family and Social Services Administration in Indiana, the required staff-to-child ratio for preschool-age children (3–5 years) is 1:10, with a maximum group size of —. Contact IN FSSA to verify the current ratio requirement.

Are there state-funded preschool options in Indiana?

Indiana may have state-funded preschool options through Head Start, state pre-K programs, or other initiatives. Contact Indiana Family and Social Services Administration or your local school district for information on state-funded preschool programs in your area.

How is kindergarten different from a licensed preschool in Indiana?

Kindergarten in Indiana is a school-district program regulated by the state department of education under K–12 education law — not by Indiana Family and Social Services Administration. Private licensed preschools must be licensed 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) and meet childcare center standards. Programs serving children ages 3–5 before kindergarten age must be licensed if they meet the threshold for group care. Contact Indiana Family and Social Services Administration for the exact age and group size thresholds that require licensure.

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.

Also in this guide: Indiana Childcare Center Requirements, Indiana Small Family Child Care Home Requirements, Indiana Large Family Child Care Home Requirements

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or compliance advice. Childcare licensing requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with Indiana Family and Social Services Administration at https://in.gov/fssa/carefinder/child-care-licensing before making compliance decisions. Last verified: April 2026.