STATEHOUSE (March 27, 2024) – Gov. Eric Holcomb recently signed a bill sponsored by State Rep. Dale DeVon (R-Granger) into law to help increase accessibility and affordability for child care options in Indiana.
According to Brighter Future Indiana Data Center, over 500,000 children in Indiana may need child care. DeVon said a lack of options can have negative effects on families, especially single parents, economy and even birth rates. Senate Enrolled Act 2 will allow more low-income Hoosier parents to access safe and affordable child care that best fits their needs.
"Across the state we're experiencing child care deserts, especially in our rural communities, and it's having real consequences on families and their ability to make a living," said DeVon, chair of the Family, Children and Human Affairs Committee. "Increasing access and affordability to child care is a top priority, and we need to make sure we are doing all we can to create more and better options for Hoosier families."
Under the new law, DeVon said full-time child care workers and those training to enter the child care field could receive much-needed help. That's because they will automatically qualify for financial assistance to help cover the costs of child care for their children or enroll their 4-year-old in a high-quality, pre-K program. Currently, financial help through the Child Care Assistance Fund and On My Way Pre-K program are only available to certain low-income families. DeVon said this change could encourage more Hoosiers to consider a career and ultimately help boost the talent pipeline of child care workers.
DeVon said to combat the child care deserts in rural areas, the legislation a pilot program will create three micro facilities. He said these facilities will serve between three and 30 children, and operate with reduced regulations under the supervision of the Family Social Services Administration.
The new law will also inform Hoosier parents of child care opportunities by requiring FSSA to publicly display a dashboard on their website with the latest updates on child care information on the state and federal levels.
To view this and other legislation recently signed into law, visit in.gov/gov/newsroom/2024-bill-watch.
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State Rep. Dale DeVon (R-Granger) represents House District 5,
which includes a portion of St. Joseph County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
