Start a child care program

Thinking about opening a child care program?

Families here are waiting for care right now — which means a new home-based or center-based program in Owen County starts with built-in demand. And you won't navigate licensing, funding, or setup alone.

Talk with Nicole

The opportunity, in numbers

  • Estimated need

    852

    Owen County children under six who likely need care — about 6 in 10.

  • Capacity lost

    175

    Licensed child care spots the county lost in 2025.

  • Regional ranking

    2nd lowest

    Owen County's child care access among the 10 Indiana Uplands counties.

Sources: The Owen News (Dec. 2025)(opens in new tab); Early Learning Indiana (2024).

Start with a conversation

Nicole RichardsonUplands Smart Start coordinator for our region

Nicole meets one-on-one with anyone exploring child care. She'll walk through your options, what licensing involves, and which supports fit your situation.

  • Free of charge
  • No commitment
  • No forms required to get started
Talk with Nicole

Your options

Three kinds of child care programs in Indiana

Licensed child care home

Licensed child care center

Registered ministry

WhereCare for children in your own home.Care in a non-residential building.A program run by a church or religious ministry.
With the stateLicensed.Licensed.Registered with the state instead of licensed.

Licensed child care home

Where
Care for children in your own home.
With the state
Licensed.

Licensed child care center

Where
Care in a non-residential building.
With the state
Licensed.

Registered ministry

Where
A program run by a church or religious ministry.
With the state
Registered with the state instead of licensed.

The state's program comparison chart(opens in new tab) (PDF) lays out the differences side by side. Nicole can help you think through which fits.

What about micro facilities?

Indiana's Micro-Facility Pilot Program(opens in new tab) lets an established provider open a small site — 3 to 30 children — in a community space, like the Jack DeFord Early Learning Center opening in Spencer. It's a state pilot authorized through 2027, open only to existing providers the state selects, so it isn't a way to start a brand-new program.

The state's steps

The full process is on the state's Become a Child Care Provider page(opens in new tab).

  1. Fill out the Emerging Provider Referral Form

    It connects you with a specialist who can answer your questions and guide you through opening your child care business.

    • Nicole can complete it with you
    The state's steps for new providers(opens in new tab)

  2. Complete Orientation 1 and Orientation 2

    Two trainings in Indiana Learning Paths, inside the state's I-LEAD portal: the start-up process, then the orientation for your type of program.

    Before you sign a lease or buy a building

    In the state's words: "Warning: Do not secure a property for child care until you have completed the orientation training and are ready to complete the licensing application. The property must meet state requirements that align with orientation training and CCDF guidelines." (Brighter Futures Indiana(opens in new tab))

  3. Apply online in I-LEAD

    Submit your application through I-LEAD. If you still need help after the orientations, the state's Emerging Provider Support Team can help: oecoslemergingprovidersupport@fssa.in.gov.

  4. Pass the on-site inspection

    The state inspects your space before you open.

Funding and money

No open state startup grant for new providers right now

Grant programs open and close, so check the state's grant page and ask Nicole about current opportunities.

FSSA's grant page(opens in new tab)Ask Nicole

New local money for child care

  • Employer tax creditLocal employers can now earn a state tax credit for contracting with licensed child care programs.
  • TIF fundsRedevelopment commissions can use TIF funds for child care facilities.
See what that means for employers

One thing that recently got easier

Since July 1, 2026, a homeowners association may not prohibit or restrict child care by a licensed child care home when:

  • It is a Class I licensed child care home
  • In a detached single-family home
  • The provider lives in the home
  • Under HOA rules adopted or changed after June 30, 2026
  • It doesn't apply in 55-and-older communities

This is a summary of the law (HEA 1152), not legal advice. If your HOA objects, talk to an attorney.

You won't do this alone

Most new providers start with zero licensing experience. That's exactly what this support exists for.

Talk with Nicole

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