Governor Braun announces plan to boost child care affordability

Indiana Governor Mike Braun today announced reforms to make child care more affordable.

These reforms, developed in collaboration with state leaders and the Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning (OECOSL), mark a significant step forward in supporting Hoosier families and child care businesses statewide.

Quote from Governor Braun:
“Child care is not just a family issue—it’s a business concern that impacts every corner of our economy. Affordable, accessible childcare is essential for Hoosiers to go to work, improve their lives, and build stronger communities. By reducing administrative burdens and unnecessary expenses, Indiana is empowering child care businesses to grow and innovate.”

Key highlights include:
 

• Addressed educational barriers for opening or staffing child care centers, including reduced lead caregiver and director qualification requirements.
• Streamlining expenses and outdated requirements, such as changing tables and posted items.
• Allowing children to bring lunch from home and increasing flexibility in sleep surfaces and materials.
• Aligning administrative rules with federal requirements and Indiana’s Quality Rating and Improvement System, Paths to QUALITY.

Quote from Adam Alson, Director of OECOSL:
“These reforms will increase affordable child care capacity statewide, making it easier for providers to serve families and for new businesses to enter the market. This is a bold step toward making child care more attainable for Indiana families and ensuring our workforce can thrive.”

The new rules are designed to reduce administrative burdens for child care providers, maintain the highest standards of health and safety for children, and support both existing child care businesses and new entrepreneurs by lowering costs and providing greater flexibility. These changes will benefit over 2,800 child care businesses, serving over 110,000 Hoosier children.

The Governor encourages all stakeholders to review the proposed rules and participate in the public comment process. Together, Indiana is building a brighter future for children, families, and businesses.

The rules will be open for public comment beginning June 3.