A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning human services and to make an appropriation.

Plain English Breakdown

Checked against official source text during the last sync.

Expanding Child Care and Pre-K Eligibility

This bill changes Indiana's rules for child care vouchers and pre-kindergarten programs by increasing income limits, funding requirements, and removing waiting lists.

What This Bill Does

• Increases the maximum initial eligibility limit for the federal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program to 150% of the federal poverty level.
• Requires full funding for each eligible applicant's CCDF voucher payment and sets reimbursement rates for providers at a specified rate.
• Removes the waiting list for eligible applicants in the CCDF program.
• Expands eligibility for Indiana’s pre-kindergarten program to children from households earning up to 150% of the federal poverty level, instead of 135%. Removes limits on state funding for these vouchers.
• Establishes reimbursement rates for prekindergarten providers that are equal to or greater than those in effect as of January 1, 2025.

Who It Names or Affects

• Children and families who qualify for child care assistance through the CCDF program.
• Providers offering child care services under the CCDF voucher program.
• Families with children eligible for Indiana’s pre-kindergarten program based on income level.

Terms To Know

Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)

A federal program that helps low-income families pay for child care so they can work or go to school.

Pre-kindergarten

An early education program for children before they start kindergarten.

Limits and Unknowns

• The bill does not specify the exact reimbursement rates for prekindergarten providers.
• It is unclear how much additional funding will be required to implement these changes.
• The effective date of this legislation has not been determined yet.

Official Summary Text

A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning human services and to make an
appropriation.
Prekindergarten and child care.

Current Bill Text

A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning human services and to make an
appropriation.

Prekindergarten and child care.

Requires the office of the secretary of family and social services (office) to apply to the United States Department of Health and Human Services to amend the state plan for the federal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program to increase the maximum initial eligibility limit for purposes of initial eligibility to 150% of the federal poverty level. Requires the office to fully fund: (1) each eligible applicant for a CCDF voucher payment; and (2) eligible CCDF provider reimbursement rates at a specified rate. Provides that the office may not place an eligible CCDF applicant on a waiting list. Provides that an eligible child for the prekindergarten program is an individual who, among other conditions, is a member of a household with an annual income that does not exceed 150% of the federal poverty level (instead of 135% for individuals enrolled on or after May 1, 2025, under current law). Removes the limitation on state money that may be used for a prekindergarten voucher during a state fiscal year. Requires the office of family and social services to establish reimbursement rates for prekindergarten providers that are equal to or greater than the rates established that were in effect on January 1, 2025. Makes an appropriation to the prekindergarten program fund.