How to Become a Home Daycare Provider

Becoming a home daycare provider can be a rewarding task for anyone who loves children. Depending on where you live, the process can be quite lengthy and technical, so you must be a patient person who pays close attention to detail.

Instructions

1. Check the laws in your state to see if you need a license. If you provide regular daycare to children who are not related to you, your state may require you to have a license.

2. Contact your city zoning commission to see if you are allowed to run a daycare in your home. There may be rules against running this type of business in your neighborhood. After a hearing or application process, the commission will tell you if it is permitted or if any changes need to be made to your home before you are allowed to do this.

3. Contact the department of child services in your state. Licensing rules and regulations vary by state and sometimes even by city. They will send you paperwork that you need to fill out and return. You may be required to prove that you have approval from the zoning commission.

4. Organize your home. The packet you receive from the department of child services will tell you what's required. At minimum you will need a safe area for the children to play and rest.

5. Wait for the department of child services to assign you a caseworker. This person will come out and evaluate your home. Additionally, she will run a background check on you and every person over 18 who lives in your home.

6. Take a child CPR class. Contact your local hospital or community center for their schedule of classes. Some states require this before you can be licensed. Even if it is not required, you should still be CPR certified since you will have children in your care. Your state may also require that you take additional classes.

7. Prepare to open your business. While you are waiting for your license, you can decide on your operating hours, your rates, the activities you will provide and your meal plan. You should also get a business license and open a business bank account. Additionally, you will need to purchase toys and children's furniture as well as establish a bookkeeping and record-keeping process. During this time you will also want to decide on an advertising plan.

8. Complete any other tasks that the state requires of you, and wait for approval of your license. The license will state how long it is valid and the number of children you are licensed to care for at one time. The amount of time it takes to receive this will vary, however it is not an instant process.

Tips & Warnings

• Check your home insurance policy to see if you need to purchase additional liability insurance.

• Keep all medications, sharp objects and chemicals out of reach. You may need to buy cabinet locks for your kitchen and bathroom.