childcare

In a recent survey of Hoosier parents, 57 percent said they’ve recently missed work or school due to child care-related issues.

In 2022, the median hourly wage for a woman in Indiana was $21.53. But after factoring in taxes and typical child care costs, an average worker at that rate could earn less than $4.

HB 1102 increases the number of children allowed in child care homes from five to seven — which doesn’t include any children in the home who are relatives of the owner. It also allows those homes to care for kids longer, from four to six hours a day.

Indiana has less than half the number of child care seats it requires to meet current needs.

The Family and Social Services Administration and Gov. Eric Holcomb are adding almost $7 million in additional grants for employer-sponsored child care.

Unlicensed child care providers in Indiana would be able to serve more children for more hours each week under legislation approved by the House.

A Senate committee Wednesday unanimously passed a bill that aims to increase accessible and affordable child care options for Hoosiers families.

Gov. Eric Holcomb spent most of his final State of the State address reflecting on Indiana's accomplishments in the last seven years.

Advocates are optimistic that interim recommendations will get traction — but, “I’ve been wrong before,” one says.

The money from federal COVID relief funds will help employers set up and expand on-site childcare programs for their workers, reserve seats in local childcare programs, and offer tuition benefits.