How to Become a Licensed Child-Care Provider

Child care licensing standards cover safety, equipment and child development issues.

Requirements for day care licensing vary by state, with only 13 states requiring child care providers to get a license before accepting any children for enrollment, according to the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies. Mandatory licensing in most states starts when a provider cares for four or more children, although regulation isn't enforced in Iowa, Indiana, Mississippi, Virginia or Idaho until seven children are enrolled. The cut-off is eight children in Ohio and 12 in South Dakota, while Louisiana and New Jersey offer a voluntary licensing process to interested providers.

Instructions

1. Contact your state licensing agency for a copy of licensing standards and an application packet. Whether you're required to get your license first or you simply want to build a professional rapport with your clients, getting your child care license is a sound business decision. The process starts with a review of the requirements. Licensing can take several months, depending on your state's regulations.

2. Schedule required medical assessments, training hours and inspections. Refer to your state's regulations to identify processes that may take several weeks or months to complete, and work on those first. Your state may require you to submit to a medical screening, a tuberculosis test or both. Most states also mandate a specific number of training hours, which may include certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR and first aid, as well as clock hours in areas such as health and safety, child development and professionalism, according to the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies.

3. Complete preliminary paperwork for a background check, if applicable. Your state may require a criminal records check and clearance with the child abuse registry. In some states, background checks are also mandatory for members of your household. The processes and forms for criminal history and background checks vary by state. Refer to your application packet for required forms and call your licensing agent if you have questions or concerns about the process.

4. Submit your license application, along with any required paperwork outlined in your state's regulations, to your licensing agent. Before your license can be issued, you must provide proof of your eligibility and adherence to regulations. Your licensing agency may need you to submit a copy of your diploma, driver's license, training certificates and medical release, for example. If you have questions, check with your agent before submitting your paperwork as incomplete applications may delay the licensing process.

5. Prepare your home for an initial licensing inspection. Once you've submitted your application, your licensing agent will schedule a home visit to check that health, safety, equipment and minimum toy requirements have been met. Refer to your state's regulations when preparing your home to ensure that your first inspection is a success.

References

• National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies: Leaving Children to Chance
• National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Early Childhood Education: State Contacts
• National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies: Initial Training Requirements, Annual Training Requirements and Areas of Training Required in Initial Training, FCC Providers
• National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies: How Does Your State Stack Up? Background Check Requirements for Family Child Care Homes