How to Become a Licensed Babysitter

The number of children under care that triggers the need for a license varies by state.

The process of becoming a licensed day care provider can be long and tedious. Each state's department of social services serves as its licensing agency for those individuals required to obtain such credentials. If you take care of only one or a few children at a time, you are not likely to require a license. The number varies by state, however, so you must check with your state's social services department about requirements for the state in which you work.

Instructions

1. Contact your state department of social services. The website childcare.net provides a directory of the departments, their addresses and telephone numbers, and the URLs for their websites.

2. Complete an application.

3. Describe your objectives.

4. Provide proof of insurance.

5. Obtain certification in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation — or CPR.

6. Produce and provide floor plan of the area used for daycare.

7. Schedule an inspection of the facility by a fire marshal. Document the designated escape route to be used in case of fire.

References

• ChildCare.net: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Starting a Daycare!