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
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CHILD FIXTURES |
ADULT FIXTURES |
DRINKING FOUNTAINS |
MOP SINK |
BATH TUB/ SHOWER |
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1:15 |
1:50 |
1:100 |
1 |
1 |
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. |
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Did you know . . .
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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. | ![]() |
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. | ![]() |
When resting, children shall lie in such a way that direct face to face situations are avoided. |
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Research completed by Calbert Design Group, LLC. Updated 2019