Become a Child Care Provider

As a potential child care provider, you can have the opportunity to own and operate your own business while engaging in profession that is rewarding and will directly impact the development of Indiana’s children . For support working through the process of becoming a licensed child care home, licensed child care center, unlicensed registered ministry, or legally licensed exempt provider you can:

1. Contact the Emerging Provider Support Team with OECOSL at the email:  oecoslemergingprovidersupport@fssa.in.gov
2. Complete the Emerging Provider - New Child Care Business Interest form on this page: Click here.
   If you are interested in becoming a child care provider but don't know what type of provider you are, please:

• Read the Indiana Child Care Definitions and refer to the information below about the process for becoming a licensed child care home, licensed child care center or unlicensed registered child care ministry.
• For quick view of all regulated child care programs for Indiana and general program requirements, please view the Matrix.
• To find your local licensing consultant, OECOSL partner, or CCDF policy consultant please Click here.

To become a licensed child care center provider:

• Complete Orientation 1: Training for childcare providers (start-up process and information). This training can be found within Indiana Learning Paths located at I-LEAD.
• Complete Orientation 2: Training for child care centers (preparation for licensure). This training can be found within Indiana Learning Paths located at I-LEAD.
• Submit your application online at I-LEAD.
• Pass onsite inspection from the Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning.

To become a licensed child care home provider:

• Complete Orientation 1: Training for childcare providers (start-up process and information). This training can be found within Indiana Learning Paths located at I-LEAD.
• Complete Orientation 2: Training for child care home providers (preparation for licensure). This training can be found within Indiana Learning Paths located at I-LEAD.
• Submit your application online at I-LEAD.
• Pass onsite inspection from the Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning.

To become an unlicensed registered child care ministry provider:

• Complete Orientation 1: Training for childcare providers (start-up process and information). This training can be found within Indiana Learning Paths located at I-LEAD.
• Complete Orientation 2: Training for unlicensed registered child care ministries (preparation for registration). This training can be found within Indiana Learning Paths located at I-LEAD.
• Submit your application online at I-LEAD.
• Submit the completed application packet to the Department of Homeland Security, Fire and Building Safety Division.
• Pass onsite inspection from the Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning.

Legally licensed exempt providers

• If you believe you might be exempt from licensure, please read the Indiana Code regarding child care licensure exemptions.
• Submit your application online at I-LEAD.
• Legally License Exempt Packet click here.
• Pass onsite inspection from the Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning.

If you believe you might be exempt from licensure, please read the Indiana Code regarding child care licensure exemptions.

To find your licensing consultant contacts click here.

Find the CCRR Networks Map and contact information for your region here.