Indiana is committed to sustaining and increasing access to early learning opportunities for families qualifying for the State's child care assistance programs. The following provides details and reminders about two of the State's recent investments as they soon go into effect. 

New CCDF reimbursement rates:  

Indiana is using a new cost-based approach to set CCDF reimbursement rates. The new rates reflect the current costs of providing care across specific settings, geographies, seat types, and quality levels. 

While you are not required to align private pay rates with the new reimbursement rates, you may choose to do so to align all rates with current cost data. This is a business decision to be made by each provider. You will still receive the new reimbursement rate regardless of what you charge to private pay families. 

The public comment period is open now through this Friday, July 21, 2023 for providers and community members to share their feedback regarding the new reimbursement rates. Please send your comments via email to OECOSLPublicComment@fssa.in.gov.  

New rates will go into effect on July 30, 2023. Providers should expect to see the new rates applied during payments scheduled for August 30, 2023.  

Expanded income eligibility for CCDF and On My Way Pre-K assistance:  

The State is expanding income eligibility for child care assistance from 127% of the federal poverty level to 150%. Eligible families seeking CCDF assistance may apply under the newly expanded guidelines starting August 1, 2023. Families seeking On My Way Pre-K assistance may apply at any time.  

Providers are encouraged to share this information with their program's currently enrolled or prospective families using this Expanded Child Care Assistance toolkit. 

Learn more about the updates and get answers to frequently asked questions by clicking the button below.