Indiana law under IC 12-17.2-5 establishes statewide licensing for family child care homes serving more than five unrelated children, with FSSA Bureau of Child Care administering uniform health, safety, staffing, and capacity rules.
Under IC 12-17.2-5, a Class I family child care home cares for 6-12 children including the caregiver's own children under 11, while a Class II home (in a non-residential building) serves up to 16. Operators must obtain an FSSA license, complete background checks for all adults in the home, complete CPR/first aid and 12 hours of annual training, maintain ratios such as 1:6 with no more than two children under 24 months, and pass health, fire, and sanitation inspections. Caring for fewer than six unrelated children is unregulated. The Indiana statute applies uniformly; local zoning may regulate location but cannot impose conflicting licensing.
Operating an unlicensed home over the five-child threshold is a Class B misdemeanor and can result in license denial, fines, and child removal by FSSA. Repeat violations escalate to felony charges.
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