How to Start a Home Daycare in Indiana

To start a home daycare center in Indiana, the first place to check is the Indiana State Department to make yourself familiar with regulations such as the child-to-staff ratios, which differ depending on the age of the children. Obtaining licensing in Indiana differs from some other states, as Indiana requires you to certify that you do not have certain communicable diseases such as tuberculosis. Follow a few guidelines when opening a home daycare center in Indiana.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Ensure all caregivers are 18 years of age or older.

2. Attend approved orientation training. This training must be approved by the central office of the Indiana Division of Family and Children (CDFC). All child care providers, including volunteers, must undergo training in specific areas regarding reporting child abuse, confidentiality matters and the child home-inspection process.

3. Complete and submit an application for licensing to the Indiana CDFC. Include a statement saying that the applicant has never been convicted of a crime involving the health and safety of a child or has not been charged with a felony or misdemeanor relating to a child's safety or health.

4. Submit a signed medical statement with proof of a chest X-ray or a test for tuberculosis to the Indiana CDFC. Submit a water test as well stating that your water quality is satisfactory.

5. Obtain first aid training and certification or ensure that one staff member has first aid training and certification. Each center must have a first aid kit and manual. One member of the daycare staff must undergo CPR training. Emergency numbers such as hospitals must be posted by each telephone. To obtain CPR and first aid training in Indiana, contact a center such as Safety Educators, LLC in Brownsburg at [phone].

6. Create a meal plan for children and infants by making a weekly calendar. Break each day down into "Breakfast." "Lunch" and "Snack" and determine what kind of nutritious food and drinks you will provide for each meal. Review USDA recommendations for serving sizes. Information is available at USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion by calling [phone].

7. Purchase adequate play materials that conform to state regulations. This includes toys, arts and crafts and other materials. Purchase adequate rest material for nap time. Each child must have rest material. The home daycare center must have a working refrigerator, microwave and sink. To find supplies or obtain information regarding purchasing supplies for your center in Indiana, visit the Warsaw Indiana Child Care Connection Yahoo Group, which has a host of relevant childcare center information (see Resources section).

8. Create an emergency plan. This should include a plan for safe evacuation of children and adults from the facility and sheltering them in an emergency. This also should include a manner of contacting parents in the event of an emergency. For more information on Indiana safety procedures for child care providers, contact the Indiana Family & Social Services Administration at [phone]

9. Ensure the home meets all safety requirements, including ensuring that electrical outlets are covered, hazardous materials are stored properly and firearms are inaccessible to children.

10. Ensure that each room has two means of exit (one door, one window) that are unobstructed and can be unlocked from the inside. Working smoke detectors must be available inside the home. Windows and exit doors must have working screens, and there must be at least one working bathroom and hot and cold running water.

Resources

• Warsaw Indiana Child Care Connection
• Indiana Family & Social Services Administration
• Licensing Standards in Indiana

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