Day Care Certification Information
As a day care provider, you may take care of any number of children of varying ages within your home or a licensed facility. In addition to caring for the children, you must design age-appropriate curriculum and provide a safe atmosphere that encourages playtime and learning. First, however, you must meet a number of requirements before obtaining your certification.
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Basic Requirements
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Generally, a day care provider must be at least 21 years of age, hold a current First Aid and CPR certification, pass a physical examination, pass a background check, have some form of child care training, be willing to be fingerprinted, and be free of any misdemeanors or felonies related to child or animal abuse. If 18, the provider must also have additional education and/or job experience in a licensed facility.
Education
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The larger your day care is, generally the more education you will need. Your state may provide an orientation and subsequent annual training that you can take to maintain your certification.
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Types of Licenses
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Generally, there are three types of licenses: small care homes, large care homes and day care centers. Each type of day care must adhere to the child to provider ratio.
Inspections
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Larger home day cares and centers will be subject to a fire inspection. Your facility or home must meet strict specifications on how space will be allocated for the children (such as napping areas and play rooms), have age-appropriate toys and books and be free of safety hazards.
Additional Requirements
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As a provider, you may be required to create meal plans, activity plans and discipline policies. You must keep copies of each child's medical records, as well as emergency contact phone numbers and report any and all suspicions of child abuse or neglect.
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