General Program Information
What is the Micro-Facility Pilot Program?
Indiana’s Micro-Facility Pilot program is a collaborative initiative established for the Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning (OECOSL) by Indiana legislators in SB2,. The goals of this program are to 1) increase the availability of child care, particularly in areas facing a critical shortage, by reducing operating costs and 2) ensure the health and safety of children for whom care is provided.
To achieve these goals, the program will select six existing child care providers to assist in expanding their operations to micro-facilities—smaller, non-residential, sites designed to serve between 3 and 30 children. These micro-facilities will benefit from streamlined regulations developed by OECOSL, which reduce operating costs for providers and encourage the establishment of child care facilities in convenient community locations, such as libraries, schools, and shopping centers.
What defines a micro-facility?
A child care Micro-Facility is a program, in a non-residential setting, that serves between 3 and 30 children at any one time for more than 4 hours a day.
How is a micro-facility different from traditional child care centers and child care homes?
Micro-facilities differ from traditional child care centers and family child care homes (FCCHs) in several key ways:
- Scale and Setting: Micro-facilities serve between 3 and 30 children, making them smaller than many traditional centers. Furthermore they operate in non-residential buildings, differentiating themselves from home-based providers.
- Streamlined Regulations: Micro-facilities operate under tailored regulations, which were introduced as part of the Micro-Facility Pilot Program. These regulations include things like allowing students to bring their own lunches/snacks and allowing several options for outside playtime. These regulations aim to reduce costs, while maintaining safety and quality, through flexible space requirements and simplified operational standards.
- Operational Model: Micro-facilities function as an extension of a provider’s previously existing program, which is known as the micro-facility hub. This relationship allows related programs, known as a micro-facility network, to share resources, staff, and support across sites.
- Flexibility in Staffing: Adjusted staffing requirements accommodate mixed-age groups while ensuring safety for all children.
- Focus on Accessibility: The micro-facility network model was designed for underserved areas, making childcare more accessible and more affordable for families by allowing programs to provide care in creative community spaces.
How many providers will be awarded?
OECOSL is looking to select six innovative applicants to participate in the pilot program, but may decide to award more or less sites at its sole discretion.
Eligibility and Application
Who is eligible to apply to open a micro-facility?
Individuals who are currently licensed/registered with the state of Indiana as a Licensed Child Care Center, Licensed Child Care Home, Unlicensed Registered Ministries, and whose programs are in good standing. Individuals holding provisional licenses are also eligible to apply so long as they have at least 3 years of experience.
Providers that intend to open a new location (micro-facility) that complies with all state requirements by April 30, 2025
How do I apply for the pilot program, and what is the deadline?
Interested individuals may apply online starting January 8th 2025. The application can be found at www.wonderschool.com/corp/indiana-micro-facility. For more information or assistance completing your application please contact Wonderschool at INMicroFaciliites@Wonderschool.com or by phone at (463) 208-0964. The deadline for applications is February 10th at 11:59pm ET.
When will applications open, and how long will they remain open?
Applications open at 8am ET on January 8th 2025. They will close at 11:59pm ET on February 10th.
When will participants be selected for the program?
All applicants will receive an update on the status of their application at the end of February, 2025. Applicants selected to participate in the pilot program will be notified by OECOSL at the end of February, 2025.
Further Information
For additional information, please contact Wonderschool.
Landing Page:https://www.wonderschool.com/corp/indiana-micro-facility
Email: INMicroFacilities@Wonderschool.com
Program Hotline: (463) 208-0964