Indiana child care license-exempt care
When home-based care is exempt from licensing and how exempt providers register for subsidy. This page isolates the configured Indiana figures, related explanations, and primary source links from the full licensing guide.
Cited to 470 IAC 3-4.7Verified June 2026Summary only, not legal advice
When Indiana home-based care is license-exempt
Indiana requires a child care home license when care is regularly provided for 6 or more children unrelated to the provider. A home caring for 5 or fewer unrelated children may qualify as Legally License Exempt (LLE) under Indiana law. Whether an exemption applies depends on the provider's specific circumstances; confirm your status with the FSSA Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning (OECOSL) before operating.
| Provider type | Max unrelated children | Registration |
|---|---|---|
| Legally License Exempt (LLE) child care home | 5 | State registration through I-LEAD is required to receive CCDF or On My Way Pre-K payments: orientation training, CPR and first aid certification, TB screening, background and registry checks, and an onsite OECOSL inspection. |
- Legally License Exempt (LLE) child care homeState registration through I-LEAD is required to receive CCDF or On My Way Pre-K payments: orientation training, CPR and first aid certification, TB screening, background and registry checks, and an onsite OECOSL inspection.Max 5
Registered LLE providers can be paid through CCDF vouchers and On My Way Pre-K. I-LEAD registration is how the state runs background checks and health and safety verification for exempt providers; without it, exempt homes cannot bill either program.
Citation: 470 IAC 3-4.7
Disclaimer: These figures are a summary drawn from Indiana rule 470 IAC 3-4.7 and FSSA guidance; operators should confirm current requirements directly with FSSA's Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning before acting. This page is a summary for informational purposes only and is not legal or compliance advice. Confirm with Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning.