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The information provided on this page is a basic outline of Indiana Child Care requirements that pertain to the design and construction of Child Care Facilities in the State of Indiana. This information is a brief synopsis and does not include all of the detailed requirements needed to satisfy the governing authorities for Child Care Licensing, Building Code, Fire Code, Accessibility, or local Zoning. These guidelines are for general information and planning purposes. Contact the governing authority directly or engage a Licensed Architect to complete a full analysis of your school location.

INDIANA Child Care Licensing Requirements

Child Care license obtained from:

Division of Family Resources, Bureau of Child Development – Licensing Section

402 West Washington Street, Room W-386, Indianapolis, IN 46204

https://www.in.gov/fssa/files/Rule4.7.pdf

(317) 232-1144

License renewal is required every two years.

Indoor Space Requirements: 35 sf per child

  

Infant

Toddlers

2 Years

30-36

Mos.

3 Years

4 Years

5+Years

Required

Teacher:Child Ratio

1:4

1:5

1:5

1:7

1:10

1:12

1:15

Required

Max. Group Size

8

10

10

14

20

24

30

Recommended 

Classroom Capacity

8

10

10

14

20

24

30

Recommended 

Staff per Classroom

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

Recommended 

Min. Classroom Area

420 sf.

560 sf.

560 sf.

700 sf.

1050 sf.

1260 sf.

1400 sf.

Outdoor Space Requirements: 75 sf per child

  • The play area must be enclosed by a 4′ high fence or wall.
  • The fall zones of adjacent equipment, 2′ of higher, shall not overlap.
  • Balance beams shall be less than 12″ high.
  • Air compressors or other dangerous equipment in the outdoor play area shall be enclosed and inaccessible to children.
  • All new construction shall have plan releases from both the DFBS and the ISDH prior to construction and licensing.

Building Code Requirements

child care child toilet child care adult toilet child care drinking fountain child care mop sink child care bath tub

CHILD

FIXTURES

ADULT

FIXTURES

DRINKING FOUNTAINS

MOP

SINK

BATH TUB/

SHOWER

1:​15

1:50

1:100

1

1

2012 International Building Code

Fire Code Requirements

1

One adult who maintains an annual certification in CPR applicable to all age groups of children cared for must be present at all times.

24

Childcare facilities are classified as Education when the children receive care for less than 24 hours a day.

2

The center shall have at least 2 adults present during all hours of operation.

2012 International Fire Code

Did you know . . .

child care separate ages In any group that has an infant or toddler, the maximum age range between the oldest and youngest child in the group shall be 13 months. child care nap Caregivers shall provide a supervised rest period for children four years and under after the noon meal and at any other time if requested by any age child. child care face away When resting, children shall lie in such a way that direct face to face situations are avoided.

To access Indiana Child Care requirements along with other states please see our interactive Child Care Requirements US map here.

Research completed by Calbert Design Group, LLC.  Updated 2019