Becoming a Provider

Types of Child Care Programs in Indiana

Legally Licensed Exempt Provider (LLEP): You may never care for more than five unrelated children at any one time with being licensed (IC 3-1.1-26). Operating a child care home that is required to be licensed by Indiana code, without a license, is a class B Misdemeanor (IC 12-3-2-17). A fine of up to One Hundred Dollars a day, for each day in operation without a license (IC 12-3-2-17).

LLEP with CCDF Voucher Certification: You may never care for more than five unrelated children at any one time. In addition, you must meet the CCDF Minimum Standards outlined here.

Class I Licensed Child Care Home: A family child care program that serves any combination of full-time and part-time children, not to exceed twelve (12) children (with some exceptions) at any one time (IC 3-1.1-7.2).

Class II Licensed Child Care Home: A family child care program that serves more than twelve (12) children but not more than any combination of sixteen (16) full-time and part-time children at any one time.

Licensed Child Care Center: A child care program in a nonresidential building where at least one (1) child receives child care from a provider (IC 12-17.2).

Registered Child Care Ministry: A child care program operated by a church or religious ministry that is a religious organization exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code  (IC 12-17.2). 

What are the benefits to operating a licensed child care?

  • Ability to enroll in Paths to QUALITY and take advantage of incentives by advancing through the levels
  • Your local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency will refer families to your program
  • Increased professional status
  • If an emergency should arise, you can care for more than five unrelated children.
  • Access to information about free or low cost educational training
  • Ability to apply for T.E.A.C.H. scholarship (T.E.A.C.H. Indiana)
  • Opportunity to increase your enrollment
  • Updates on State and local early childhood information
  • Access to resources to enhance your program
  • Recognition as a professional business
  • Receive the support of the County Child Care Licensing Consultant
  • Licensed providers receive higher payment when caring for children on the CCDF Voucher program, than LLEPs.

Become a Licensed Family Child Care Provider

  • Enroll in and complete Orientation 1: Training for Child Care Providers. You can complete this online training by creating an I-LEAD account at ilead.in.gov.
  • Enroll in and complete Licensing Orientation 2: Training for Family Child Care Home Providers. This training is offered online at I-LEAD or face-to-face with your local CCR&R agency. Register for both modalities at ilead.in.gov.
  • For additional questions regarding obtaining a child care license, please contact Alissa Howe, Sara Lane, or Jane Hammonds 800.932.3302.
  • Prepare your home for inspection utilizing the inspection checklist and rules obtained in Orientation 2.
  • Begin the licensing application in your I-LEAD account at ilead.in.gov.
  • Your local Licensing Consultant will be in touch to complete the first regulatory visit.

Those interested in opening a Class II Family Child Care can contact the Program Engagement Team at 800.932.3302 for more information.

Open a Licensed Child Care Center or Registered Child Care Ministry

  • Enroll in and complete Orientation 1: Training for Child Care Providers. You can complete this online training by creating an I-LEAD account at ilead.in.gov.
  • Enroll in and complete Licensing Orientation 2: Training for Child Care Centers (centers) or Licensing Orientation 2: Training for  Unlicensed Registered Child Care Ministries (ministries). This training is offered online at I-LEAD or face-to-face with your local CCR&R agency. Register for both modalities at ilead.in.gov.
  • For additional questions regarding obtaining a child care license, please contact Alissa or Tanika at 800.932.3302.
  • Prepare your program for inspection utilizing the inspection checklist and rules obtained in Orientation 2.
  • Begin the licensing application in your I-LEAD account at ilead.in.gov.
  • Your local Licensing Consultant will be in touch to complete the first regulatory visit.