Across the state, access to affordable and reliable childcare remains an issue. Families are struggling to find care at a reasonable cost, and providers are struggling with workforce shortages, administrative burdens and challenges meeting the growing demand.
According to ChildCare Aware of America, center-based childcare in Indiana averages more than $17,000 annually for an infant and more than $16,000 for a toddler. Even lower-cost family childcare options can be upwards of $10,000 per year. For many households, these costs consume a significant portion of household budgets often exceeding the federal standard that considers care affordable when it accounts for no more than 7% of a family's income.
As a father and grandfather, I know this burden all too well. That's why I, along with the Governor and members of our General Assembly, are prioritizing efforts to make childcare more affordable for Hoosier families.
In order to lower costs for both providers and families and expand access, we must find smart ways to incentivize great childcare institutions, cut the red tape so that they can do their jobs, and better engage the business community to be part of the solution.
Recently, I worked with State Rep. Dave Heine to find fiscal incentives for employers to help support childcare organizations, and families who count on them to help care for their kids. It's an effort that I'll continue to help champion in the 2027 legislative session.
Beyond incentives, our state is doing a disservice to childcare providers and families by wrapping them in exhaustive and unnecessary red tape. These regulations are not only expensive and burdensome, but it pulls providers from the moments that matter the most: time spent with the kids they're entrusted to care for.
Currently, the state is considering several regulatory changes aimed at reducing unnecessary red tape for providers, increasing capacity and improving affordability for Hoosier families.
One proposal would revise staff-to-child ratios and maximum group sizes ensuring standards are more in line with neighboring states. This could help providers serve more children and address staffing shortages. Another proposal would streamline education requirements for childcare center directors and lead caregivers, placing greater value on relevant experience and on-the-job training.
Other actions include Governor Mike Braun's recent announcement of commonsense reforms to reduce administrative burdens at childcare facilities, including by allowing children to bring lunch from home, giving parents flexibility to provide meal options to their kids.
All of these efforts and more that are in the works can help free up costs in the system.
You can have a say in these changes, too. Hoosiers can share feedback on the state's proposed regulatory changes by July 6.
While these reforms are an important step toward improving access and affordability, the broader economic impact of childcare will be explored in my next column, including how it affects Indiana's workforce and business community.
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State Rep. Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn) represents House District 52,
which includes all of DeKalb County, and portions of Noble and Steuben counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
