HomeChild CareIndianaChild Care Development Fund
How to Apply: Child Care Development Fund
Indiana · 6 StepsIndiana families earning under about $45,000 a year (family of 4) with kids under 13, or up to 19 with special needs
Take it one step at a time. We're here to help.
Quick facts
Step 1 of 6: See if you qualify
Who this program helps
- Live in Indiana
- Child under 13 (19 with special needs)
- Income under 150% poverty level
Good to know: That's about $45,000 a year for a family of four. It also connects 4-year-olds to On My Way Pre-K.Step 2 of 6: Get your papers ready
Recent papers work best
- Pay stubs from last 60 days
- Work or school schedule
- Child's birth certificate
- Photo ID and proof of address
Step 3 of 6: Apply online
Early Ed Connect portal
- Create an account (opens in a new tab)Tap to open
- Fill out the application
- Upload papers by phone or computer
Good to know: Help is available in English and Spanish. Call 2-1-1 if you get stuck.Step 4 of 6: Wait on the waitlist
Demand is high
- You go on the state waitlist
- Update your info every 90 days
Don't miss: You must confirm your contact info, income, and work or school status every 90 days to stay on the list.Important: The wait could be a few months or over a year, depending on funding.Step 5 of 6: Pick an approved provider
Once you're approved
- Search Child Care Finder (opens in a new tab)Tap to open
- Enter provider in the portal
Step 6 of 6: Start care and keep it going
Renew every year
- Vouchers help pay for care
- Renew before your year ends
Important: Re-authorize every year before your approval ends so your benefits don't stop.Good to know: You made it! Your child now has care while you work or learn.
A "how to" guide to help you navigate the application process for the Child Care Development Fund in Indiana.
What is Indiana’s Child Care Development Fund (CCDF)?
The CCDF helps Indiana families pay for licensed child care. It allows parents to work, go to school, or train. It also works with the “On My Way Pre-K” program for eligible 4-year-olds.
How do I apply for CCDF?
You apply through Early Ed Connect, the state’s online portal:
Go here ➝ Early Ed Connect
Create an account and start your application.
Upload documents using your phone or computer.
Save and submit—applications are automatically placed on the waitlist upon submission.
Support available in English and Spanish with tutorials and help via the portal.
How long does it take to receive funds from CCDF?
After submitting, your child is placed on a waitlist because demand is high.
Priority on the waitlist goes to:
On My Way Pre-K applicants
Families earning under 100% of the Federal Poverty Level
Children of child care workers
Wait times vary—could be a few months or over a year depending on funding and your place on the list.
What do the application steps look like?
Set up your Early Ed Connect account.
Complete the application—fill your income, work/school schedule, and child info.
Upload documents (IDs, income proof, etc.).
Submit and go onto the state waitlist.
Stay on the list by updating info every 90 days (contact, income, job/school status).
Approval & voucher: You’ll be contacted when funds become available.
Pick your provider: Choose a CCDF-approved child care center, home, or relative.
Use the funds: Once approved, you can start care with covered payment.
Renew yearly: Current families must re-authorize on time to keep benefits.
What documentation is required?
Proof of Income (within last 60 days, only one is required)
Pay stubs or employer letter
TANF, SSI, or unemployment letters
Job-search documentation (if unemployed)
Proof of Need (only one is required)
Work schedule/job letter OR
School/training schedule OR
New job letter (with start date & pay)
Child Information (only one is required)
Child’s birth certificate or hospital verification
If special needs, doctor’s documentation
ID and Residency (only one is required)
Photo ID (for parent/applicant and co-applicant)
Proof of address: utility bill, lease, or mail (within 60 days)
Provider Info (only one is required)
Provider must be CCDF-approved. Provide details in the portal.
Common FAQs
1. Who qualifies?
Indiana residents with gross monthly income ≤ 150% of FPL (~$45,000/year for a family of 4)
Child under 13—or older with special needs up to age 19
Child must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
2. Can I choose my child care provider?Yes—you may pick any CCDF-approved licensed provider such as a relative, center, or home.
3. What if I’m already getting CCDF?You keep funds as long as you re-authorize on time and maintain eligibility.
4. How often do I need to update?Every 90 days, you must confirm contact info, income, and work/school status.
5. Do I need to renew the help?Yes—re-authorize annually before your current approval ends to continue getting help.
Who do I contact about my application status?
Indiana Office of Early Childhood & Out-of‑School Learning (OECOSL) via Early Ed Connect portal
Help applying or technical support: Call 2‑1‑1 or email CCDFMessages@BuildingBlocks.net (for local support)
Voucher/payment questions: Call the SPARK Help Desk at 1‑800‑299‑1627 or email paymentquestions@fssa.in.gov
Need care referrals? Call 1‑800‑299‑1627 or visit ChildCareFinder.in.gov
Last updated July 9, 2025