Indiana Childcare Licensing Requirements
Indiana childcare centers must include 13 mandatory sections in parent handbooks per 470 IAC 3-4.7-149 (Extended hours of operation); 470 IAC 3-4.7-150 through -154 (night care: -150 Night care approval, -151 Night care staffing, -152 Night care, -153 Night care program and equipment, -154 Night care food service). The Indiana center licensing rules do not set routine daily operating hours; the only rule expressly governing hours is the extended-hours/night-care provision. Statutory basis: IC 12-17.2-4-12 (license display and operation)..
Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamRequired Handbook Sections
The following sections must appear in every Indiana childcare parent handbook per state licensing rules.
| Section | Description | Citation | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hours of Operation | Days and hours the facility is open; holiday closures; late pick-up policy. | 470 IAC 3-4.7-149 (Extended hours of operation); 470 IAC 3-4.7-150 through -154 (night care: -150 Night care approval, -151 Night care staffing, -152 Night care, -153 Night care program and equipment, -154 Night care food service). The Indiana center licensing rules do not set routine daily operating hours; the only rule expressly governing hours is the extended-hours/night-care provision. Statutory basis: IC 12-17.2-4-12 (license display and operation). | Required |
| Behavior Guidance and Discipline PolicyGuide → | Positive guidance techniques used; prohibited discipline methods; progressive steps. | 470 IAC 3-4.7-54 (Positive discipline); 470 IAC 3-4.7-55 (Inappropriate discipline); 470 IAC 3-4.7-56 (Discipline documentation) | Required |
| Illness and Exclusion PolicyGuide → | Symptoms requiring exclusion; readmission criteria; communicable disease procedures. | 470 IAC 3-4.7-87 (Ill child procedures); related: 470 IAC 3-4.7-89 (Communicable disease) and 470 IAC 3-4.7-155 (Ill child care space requirement) | Required |
| Medication Administration PolicyGuide → | Procedures for administering prescription and non-prescription medications; authorization requirements. | 470 IAC 3-4.7-88 (Medication); related recordkeeping: 470 IAC 3-4.7-40 (Children's medication records) | Required |
| Emergency ProceduresGuide → | Fire, severe weather, lockdown, and medical emergency procedures; evacuation routes. | 470 IAC 3-4.7-91 (Emergency equipment and procedures); 470 IAC 3-4.7-92 (Evacuation procedures); 470 IAC 3-4.7-103 (Emergency drills); 470 IAC 3-4.7-42 (Emergency information file) | Required |
| Arrival and Departure Procedures | Sign-in/sign-out requirements; authorized pick-up persons; late pick-up fees. | 470 IAC 3-4.7-17 (Admission, discharge, arrival, and departure policies); related: 470 IAC 3-4.7-45 (Attendance records) | Required |
| Nutrition and Meals Policy | Meals and snacks provided; food allergy procedures; outside food policy. | 470 IAC 3-4.7-75 (Food program); 470 IAC 3-4.7-76 (Menus); 470 IAC 3-4.7-77 (Meal times); 470 IAC 3-4.7-78 (Meal components); 470 IAC 3-4.7-79 (General meal guidelines); 470 IAC 3-4.7-82 (Special diets) [food program range 470 IAC 3-4.7-75 through -83] | Required |
| Parent Communication Policy | Daily report procedures; how to reach staff; parent conference schedule. | 470 IAC 3-4.7-18 (Parent communication); related: 470 IAC 3-4.7-19 (Posted items) and statutory IC 12-17.2-4-17 (Unscheduled visits by parents and guardians) | Required |
| Grievance and Complaint Procedure | Steps for resolving concerns; contact for unresolved complaints. | IC 12-17.2-4-12(e) (licensee must publicly display a telephone number and Internet site where parents may obtain from the division the licensee's license status, complaints filed, and violations); enforcement/complaint handling at IC 12-17.2-4-19 (Notice of enforcement actions; informal meetings) and IC 12-17.2-4-20 (Administrative hearings). No standalone parent-grievance section exists in 470 IAC 3-4.7; this is the closest verified umbrella citation. | Required |
| Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting | Mandatory reporter obligations; reporting procedures; state hotline. | 470 IAC 3-4.7-13 (Reporting child abuse or neglect); statutory basis IC 12-17.2-4-36 (Investigation of abuse or neglect; child care center) and IC 31-33-5-1 (mandatory reporting duty) | Required |
| Enrollment, Fees, and Payment Policy | Enrollment process; tuition rates; payment schedule; refund policy. | 470 IAC 3-4.7-16 (Enrollment policies); related: 470 IAC 3-4.7-17 (Admission, discharge, arrival, and departure policies) and 470 IAC 3-4.7-36 (Children's admission records). Note: Indiana center licensing rule does NOT mandate a fee schedule or written fee policy; the required written disclosure items under 470 IAC 3-4.7-16 do not include fees. Fee terms are set by center policy, not by a specific rule section. 470 IAC 3-4.7-16 is the closest verified umbrella enrollment citation. | Required |
| Health and Safety Policies | Handwashing procedures; diapering; sunscreen; rest time policies. | 470 IAC 3-4.7-84 (Health program); 470 IAC 3-4.7-86 (Child health requirements); 470 IAC 3-4.7-85 (Adult health requirements); 470 IAC 3-4.7-66 (Playground and outdoor safety); 470 IAC 3-4.7-99 through -118 (building maintenance and safety). Statutory basis: IC 12-17.2-4-2 (food, health, safety, and sanitation standards required for licensure). | Required |
| Nondiscrimination Policy | Statement of equal access; protected classes covered. | 470 IAC 3-4.7-16 (Enrollment policies) and 470 IAC 3-4.7-148 (Special needs program) (umbrella). Indiana child care center licensing rules (470 IAC 3-4.7) contain no express standalone nondiscrimination section; nondiscrimination/equal-access obligations attach through the CCDF provider agreement and federal civil-rights law (Title VI, ADA, Section 504). 470 IAC 3-4.7-16 is the closest verified umbrella state code section. | Required |
| Transportation Policy | Vehicle safety requirements; car seat policy; authorization procedures. | 470 IAC 3-4.7-72 (Transportation in child care center owned or leased vehicles); 470 IAC 3-4.7-73 (Transportation in other vehicles); 470 IAC 3-4.7-74 (Transportation to school) | Recommended |
| Field Trip Policy | Authorization requirements; supervision ratios during off-site activities. | 470 IAC 3-4.7-71 (Field trips) | Recommended |
Staff-to-Child Ratios
Indiana mandates the following maximum staff-to-child ratios by age group.
| Age Group | Staff-to-Child Ratio |
|---|---|
| Infant (birth to 12 months) | 1:4 (max group size 8) |
| Toddler (12 to 24 months) | 1:5 (max group size 10) |
| 2 years (24 to 30 months) | 1:5 (max group size 10) |
| 30 to 36 months | 1:7 (max group size 14) |
| 3 years | 1:10 (max group size 20) |
| 4 years | 1:12 (max group size 24) |
| 5 years and older (school age) | 1:15 (max group size 30) |
Immunization Requirements
- Documentation of complete age-appropriate immunizations as required by FSSA/the division with recommendation from the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH/IDOH), updated annually (470 IAC 3-4.7-86; IC 12-17.2-4-18.1)
- Conjugated pneumococcal vaccine (PCV) - statutorily required under IC 12-17.2-4-18.1
- Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, or demonstrated immunity to varicella - statutorily required under IC 12-17.2-4-18.1 (also 470 IAC 3-4.7-86)
- Other age-appropriate immunizations per the ISDH schedule (e.g., DTaP, IPV polio, MMR, Hib, Hepatitis B; specific antigens beyond PCV and varicella are set by ISDH schedule rather than named in statute)
- Medical exemption: child's physician indicates and updates the exception annually on the child's health record (470 IAC 3-4.7-86; IC 12-17.2-4-18.1)
- Religious exemption: parent submits a signed written request based on religious beliefs, kept in the child's health record (470 IAC 3-4.7-86; IC 12-17.2-4-18.1)
- Exemptions do not prevent the center from using emergency first aid or excluding a child when communicable disease control is necessary (470 IAC 3-4.7-86)
- Written verification of a physical examination by a physician/qualified provider within 30 days after enrollment, or no earlier than 12 months prior to enrollment (470 IAC 3-4.7-86)
Background Check Requirements
- National criminal history background check (fingerprint-based) by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), processed through IdentoGO/IDEMIA - required before an individual is employed or allowed to volunteer and every 3 years thereafter (IC 12-17.2-4-3)
- Indiana State Police (ISP) Limited Criminal History check
- Indiana State Sex and Violent Offender Registry check
- Child Protection Index check - Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) child abuse and neglect registry determination (grounds tied to a DCS determination of abuse/neglect as defined in IC 31-9-2-14; DCS established under IC 31-25-1-1)
- Out-of-state child abuse/neglect registry check for individuals who previously resided out of state (coordinated through the OECOSL Background Check Unit)
- New background check generally required if an applicant has not been employed in child care within a defined break-in-service period
- Drug testing policy and results maintained for caregivers, obtained before employment/volunteering (IC 12-17.2-4-3.5)
- Disqualifying offenses: grounds for denial at IC 12-17.2-4-5 and grounds for revocation at IC 12-17.2-4-32 - felonies related to health/safety of a child, sex offenses (as defined in IC 11-8-8-5.2), dangerous felonies, and substantiated DCS child abuse/neglect determinations
Inspection Frequency
The division (FSSA/OECOSL) and the State Fire Marshal must make annual on-site inspections of each licensed child care center and keep written records of their monitoring (IC 12-17.2-4-15). The licensee must cooperate with announced and unannounced inspections (IC 12-17.2-4-16). The division investigates compliance at a reasonable time, in announced or unannounced visits, through onsite inspections, record reading, observation, and interviewing (IC 12-17.2-4-7). Licenses expire two (2) years after issuance unless revoked, modified to probationary/suspended status, or voluntarily returned (IC 12-17.2-4-12). Custodial parents/guardians may make unscheduled visits at any time the center is in operation (IC 12-17.2-4-17).
Penalties for Non-Compliance
General civil penalty: in addition to other penalties under the chapter, the division may impose a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 for a violation of the article (IC 12-17.2-4-34); civil penalties are deposited in the division of family resources child care fund (IC 12-17.2-2-3). Safe-sleep escalating per-violation schedule (IC 12-17.2-4-4.1, applied per inspection within a licensure period): 1st inspection = formal warning letter + intent to take action + civil penalty; 2nd = $50 per violation; 3rd = $75 per violation; 4th = license probation up to 6 months + $100 per violation; 5th = license suspended or revoked for 1 year + $250 per violation; failure to pay may result in license revocation for up to 2 years (IC 12-17.2-4-4.1(c)). Operating without a license: civil penalty not to exceed $100 per day in a civil action, plus injunctive relief (IC 12-17.2-4-29); a knowing or intentional violation of the chapter is a Class B misdemeanor (IC 12-17.2-4-35). Additional sanctions: license suspension up to 6 months or revocation (IC 12-17.2-4-33), denial of license (IC 12-17.2-4-10), and emergency/temporary cease-operation order for violations posing an immediate threat to a child's life or well-being (IC 12-17.2-4-18.7).
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many sections must be in a Indiana childcare parent handbook?
Indiana childcare centers are required to include at least 13 mandatory sections in their parent handbooks per state licensing regulations enforced by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning (OECOSL) - Bureau of Child Care.
Who oversees childcare licensing in Indiana?
Childcare licensing in Indiana is regulated by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning (OECOSL) - Bureau of Child Care. You can find official licensing information at https://www.in.gov/fssa/carefinder/.
What happens if a Indiana childcare center doesn't have a compliant handbook?
Non-compliance with Indiana parent handbook requirements can result in: General civil penalty: in addition to other penalties under the chapter, the division may impose a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 for a violation of the article (IC 12-17.2-4-34); civil penalties are deposited in the division of family resources child care fund (IC 12-17.2-2-3). Safe-sleep escalating per-violation schedule (IC 12-17.2-4-4.1, applied per inspection within a licensure period): 1st inspection = formal warning letter + intent to take action + civil penalty; 2nd = $50 per violation; 3rd = $75 per violation; 4th = license probation up to 6 months + $100 per violation; 5th = license suspended or revoked for 1 year + $250 per violation; failure to pay may result in license revocation for up to 2 years (IC 12-17.2-4-4.1(c)). Operating without a license: civil penalty not to exceed $100 per day in a civil action, plus injunctive relief (IC 12-17.2-4-29); a knowing or intentional violation of the chapter is a Class B misdemeanor (IC 12-17.2-4-35). Additional sanctions: license suspension up to 6 months or revocation (IC 12-17.2-4-33), denial of license (IC 12-17.2-4-10), and emergency/temporary cease-operation order for violations posing an immediate threat to a child's life or well-being (IC 12-17.2-4-18.7).
How often are Indiana childcare centers inspected?
Indiana childcare centers are subject to the following inspection schedule: The division (FSSA/OECOSL) and the State Fire Marshal must make annual on-site inspections of each licensed child care center and keep written records of their monitoring (IC 12-17.2-4-15). The licensee must cooperate with announced and unannounced inspections (IC 12-17.2-4-16). The division investigates compliance at a reasonable time, in announced or unannounced visits, through onsite inspections, record reading, observation, and interviewing (IC 12-17.2-4-7). Licenses expire two (2) years after issuance unless revoked, modified to probationary/suspended status, or voluntarily returned (IC 12-17.2-4-12). Custodial parents/guardians may make unscheduled visits at any time the center is in operation (IC 12-17.2-4-17).
Detailed Indiana Requirements
Go deeper on a single Indiana licensing topic — each page covers the statute-cited specifics for that requirement.
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