Becoming a Child Care Provider

Orientation

Attend an orientation about the requirements in obtaining a child care license. You will learn the specifics about making adjustments to your home. You and any assistant teachers must have a negative tuberculosis (TB) test. All providers working out of your daycare, including yourself, will also have to be fingerprinted and have their backgrounds run through the Child Abuse Index Check. The orientation also teaches you how to write and keep records on the children in your care, and alerts you of the health and safety training hours you must take to make sure your CPR and first aid is current.

Application

Fill out the application form you received at orientation, and send it back, along with the $60 application fee, to the Department of Human Services in your local county. Each state may have different guidelines on licensing. You must also include a signed form, stating that you completed orientation. While the Department of Human Services processes your application, go to your local Live Scan and get your fingerprints done. Prices vary from state to state but are generally between $55 to $75 for fingerprinting.

Home Inspection

Schedule your home inspection by an evaluator from the Department of Human Services to check for safety and health issues to complete licensing. They will be especially interested in making sure you have enough smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and a fire extinguisher. They also check to make sure all chemicals and medications are locked up, so children cannot accidentally swallow any of them. They will also check the fencing in your backyard to see if it is safe for the children to play. Current emergency numbers and emergency plans must be posted where everyone can see them and act quickly on them.

Resources

• How to Become a Child Care Provider
• Becoming a Licensed Family Child Care Provider