Indiana child care staff training & qualifications
Annual training hours and director/lead-teacher minimums. 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
Annual training hours
- 12 hours/year of ongoing training for each staff member
- 12 hours/year for the director
Common required courses
Minimum qualifications
Director
Bachelor's in ECE/elementary ed (K endorsement); OR any bachelor's + 15 ECE credit hours/CDA; OR ECE associate + 3 yrs experience (470 IAC 3-4.7-21)
Lead teacher
CDA; OR ECE bachelor's/associate; OR any bachelor's + 15 ECE credits; else 8 training hrs/yr + enroll in a pathway within 1 year (470 IAC 3-4.7-25)
Citation: 470 IAC 3-4.7
Indiana staff training & qualifications FAQ
What are the director qualifications for an Indiana childcare center?
A center director must hold a bachelor's degree in early childhood education or elementary education; or any bachelor's degree plus 15 ECE credit hours or a CDA; or an ECE associate degree plus three years of experience. These are alternative pathways, so a director can qualify through any one of them.
How many annual training hours do Indiana childcare staff need?
Staff and the director each complete 12 in-service clock hours of training per year. Lead caregivers who do not yet meet the required education add 8 hours, bringing them to 20 hours per year, and must enroll in a qualifying education pathway within one year.
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.