Indiana Families to Benefit from New Child Care Licensing Law

Indiana families could soon see expanded access to child care thanks to legislation ceremonially signed by the governor and co-authored by State Rep. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute). The new law, House Enrolled Act 1253, is designed to streamline child care licensing and remove unnecessary barriers for providers across the state.

The measure reduces regulations for both school-based and multi-site programs. Under the updated rules, school-based child care centers can now serve children from anywhere within a school corporation, rather than being restricted to the children of students or staff. Supporters say this change opens doors for more families to enroll their children in programs close to home.

The law also extends the eligibility period for child care vouchers, giving Hoosier families three years instead of two to use their benefits. Advocates say this added flexibility will help parents better plan and budget for their child care needs.

“Access to quality child care shouldn’t be out of reach for Hoosier families,” Heaton said. “By streamlining regulations and giving providers room to grow, we can help provide more options for parents, strengthen our workforce and make child care more affordable across Indiana.”

For operators, one of the biggest shifts is in licensing. Multi-site providers can now operate under a single license instead of applying for separate licenses at each location. This consolidation simplifies the process with one application, one fee, and more transparency, while each facility will still be individually inspected to maintain health and safety standards.

By easing restrictions, lawmakers hope the changes will encourage more providers to expand or open new facilities, helping to meet the growing demand for child care services. At the same time, families will have access to a wider array of options, easing the burden on working parents and employers who struggle with workforce shortages linked to child care challenges.