Access to affordable, reliable childcare remains one of the biggest challenges facing working families across Indiana. Whether parents are balancing full-time jobs, pursuing an education or navigating other challenges, finding quality childcare that fits their family's needs and budget can be difficult. The legislature advanced multiple efforts this year to help increase access and reduce costs for Hoosier families.
Recently, the state budget committee approved an additional $200 million investment in Indiana's Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program. The funding, made possible through legislation I supported during the 2026 legislative session, is expected to help approximately 14,000 additional children access childcare assistance.
Indiana's CCDF program currently serves more than 40,000 children statewide by helping eligible low-income working families afford childcare. Under the expanded enrollment plan, priority will be given to siblings of current voucher recipients, infants and children ages 3 to 5. Additional consideration will be given to help ensure access for foster and kinship families, children with special needs, homeless children, children of childcare workers and children of Ivy Tech students.
While expanding access to assistance is critical, we must also address the challenges childcare providers face every day. Rising operating costs, workforce shortages and regulatory burdens can make it difficult for providers to expand capacity and serve more families. That's why Indiana is also exploring ways to modernize regulations while maintaining strong health and safety standards.
Proposed updates being considered by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration would streamline certain licensing requirements, modernize recordkeeping practices and give providers greater flexibility to operate and grow. At the same time, the proposal strengthens infant safety standards by requiring additional training on topics such as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, shaken baby syndrome, abusive head trauma and safe-sleep practices.
This year, the General Assembly also advanced legislation I supported to expand Indiana's employer-sponsored childcare tax credit. This law encourages employers to invest in childcare solutions that support working parents and strengthen our workforce.
Indiana has already made progress in increasing childcare availability, with regulated providers now having capacity to serve approximately 175,000 children statewide. While more work remains, these investments and policy changes represent meaningful steps toward improving affordability and access for families across our state.
Strong childcare options help children succeed, allow parents to remain in the workforce and support local communities and employers. I remain committed to supporting policies that help Hoosier families thrive and ensure more children have access to safe, quality care. If you have questions or concerns about state government, please contact my Statehouse office at 317-232-9850 or visit in.gov/h54.
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State Rep. Cory Criswell (R-Middletown) represents House District 54,
which includes portions of Hancock, Henry, Rush and Shelby counties.
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