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player ready...Indiana childcare centers would no longer have to teach literacy, art, music or science under a new rule, endorsed by Gov. Mike Braun, aimed at making childcare more affordable.
In addition, qualifications for childcare workers would be loosened so they would no longer need a high school diploma for lower level duties and center directors would no longer need a bachelor’s degree.
Last week, childcare center representatives panned the new rules rolled out by the state’s Family and Social Services Administration, which was expected to approve the rules Monday.
Many childcare center directors plan to ignore the new rule and continue to offer academic programs for children to get them ready for kindergarten.
“We’re talking about building a future… but they’re trying to dummy down the foundation of the American educational system which is preschool. We’re not just taking naps and wiping noses,” said Nina Burton who operates the Woodland Child Development Center in Hammond and a microsite pilot program in Gary.
Presently, lead childcare workers must have an early child development associate or CDA. The new rule would no longer require the credential, which takes between 3 to 12 months to earn. Under the new rule, just a high school diploma would be required..
Burton holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s of business administration degree. The new rule would allow her to spend 20 hours a week at her nonprofit sites, down from 30 hours.
Burton had to pause during the phone interview as she greeted children arriving in the morning, including a sobbing young girl. Lowering her time at the center seemed impossible to her.
“I don’t see how a director can do that, even at a small facility because of all the things required of us like paperwork and licensing. I don’t know what the end goal is for allowing the director to step away…” she said.
“We’re already not respected and to lower standards is not good for us,” she said.
Ashley Eaves, director of the Elka Child Educational Center in Gary, worried about the impact on programs.
“While I understand that the state proposed childcare rule changes are intended to address shortages and improve access to childcare, I believe we have to be careful that increased access does not come at the expense of quality,” she said.
Eaves and Burton said early childhood development programs set the foundation for a child’s future.
“The professionals who care for and educate young children should be equipped with the knowledge, training, and experience to meet those developmental needs,” said Eaves, who also holds an MBA degree.
Eaves said Elka, founded 57 years ago by her grandparents, will continue to hire qualified teachers and maintain strong educational and professional standards.
In June, Gov. Mike Braun endorsed the relaxed rules for childcare centers.
“Childcare is not just a family issue — it’s a business concern that impacts every corner of our economy. Affordable, accessible childcare is essential for Hoosiers to go to work, improve their lives, and build stronger communities,” Braun said.
Braun said childcare centers would be empowered to grow and innovate by loosening restrictions and lead to lower costs for the centers and families.
Early Childhood Indiana, an advocate for child development, reported about 80,000 children are in a licensed childcare center in the state. It said families spend 10.3% of their annual household income on childcare.
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Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.