Licensed Daycare in Indiana
Find the right daycare in Indiana in under 5 minutes. 2,925 licensed centers — filter by age, cost, and subsidy. Verified weekly against Indiana FSSA — Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning. Free, no signup.
Listings updated May 2026 from official Indiana licensing records.
Indiana childcare by the numbers
Indiana Childcare Licensing
In Indiana, all child care centers serving children outside the family home are required to be licensed by the Indiana FSSA — Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning. Licensed centers undergo background checks, capacity inspections, and routine compliance reviews.
Minimum staff-to-child ratios are 1:4 for infants under 12 months, 1:5 for toddlers (12–35 months), and 1:10 for preschool (3–5 years). NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below the state minimum.
What's distinctive about Indiana: Indiana CCDF eligibility tops out at 127% of poverty for entry, but families can stay enrolled up to 235% — important for working families slowly rising in income.
Quick licensing facts
- Regulator
- Indiana FSSA — Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning
- Infant ratio
- 1:4
- Toddler ratio
- 1:5
- Preschool ratio
- 1:10
- Avg infant cost
- $970/mo
- Avg preschool cost
- $750/mo
Indiana Daycare Costs by Age (2026)
Infant care in Indiana runs about $11,640/year. Family daycare homes typically cost 10–30% less than centers; Head Start is free for income-eligible families. Toddler & school-age figures are estimates derived from Indiana center averages.
Estimate your exact costHow to Get Childcare Help in Indiana
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Check eligibility for Indiana Child Care Development Fund (CCDF). Most Indiana families earning up to ~85% of state median income qualify for childcare subsidy assistance.
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Apply early — waitlists are common. Quality infant programs in Indiana often have 3–12 month waitlists. Start during pregnancy if you can. Intake line: (800) 299-1627.
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Stack federal help. The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit (20–35% of up to $6,000) and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 pre-tax) apply regardless of state subsidy.
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Verify the license before you sign. Confirm current status in the Indiana FSSA — Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning database and tour during operating hours.
Top Cities for Daycare in Indiana
View all cities →Indiana Childcare Subsidies & Tax Credits
Indiana families can apply for Indiana Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) based on income and work/school status. Federal programs — the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 cap), and Head Start — stack on top of state assistance.
Local intake line: (800) 299-1627
Official Indiana & Federal Resources
Independently verify any provider, check subsidy eligibility, and access national child-care databases — all official .gov sources.
Daycare in Indiana — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know a daycare in Indiana is licensed?
What is the staff-to-child ratio in Indiana?
How much does daycare cost in Indiana?
Are subsidies available for childcare in Indiana?
How do I report unsafe conditions at a Indiana daycare?
Where to get childcare help in Indiana
Free, official channels for finding licensed care, checking quality ratings, and applying for assistance — no account or fee required.
Child Care Resource & Referral counselors help you find vetted local options.
1-800-424-2246 · Find yoursUnited Way's free, confidential line connects you to local childcare, food, and family aid.
Call 211 · 211.orgFree early education for income-eligible families and pregnant women.
Find a programIndiana Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) can cover most of your childcare cost by income.
(800) 299-1627 · How to applyCheck NAEYC accreditation and your state's quality-rating (QRIS) for any provider.
Find quality careConfirm any provider's current license & inspection record with Indiana FSSA — Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning.
Official license searchHow this data is sourced. Listings for Indiana are compiled from official Indiana FSSA — Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning licensing records and cross-checked for current license status — not paid placements or user star-ratings. Rankings never depend on advertising. Provider details change often, so always confirm directly before enrolling. Reviewed by the DaycareHub editorial team · May 2026 · methodology
Search 2,925 Licensed Indiana Centers
Free, no signup, filter by age and subsidy acceptance.