How to Open a Day Care in Florida

Child care can be a rewarding career.

The decision to open and operate a day care center, also known as a child care center, can be monumental but rewarding. Children are our greatest commodity, which is why Florida requires day care centers to be licensed, and there are laws and regulations that govern their day-to-day operations. Parents expect day care centers to be safe, educational, and that they charge a reasonable fee for the services provided. Therefore, it is the center owner's responsibility to ensure that all requirements are researched and met.

Instructions

1. Find an acceptable location for the child care facility. Consult and obtain from the local fire and environmental health authorities signed documents showing that the building passes inspection.

2. Obtain and read a copy of Chapter 65C-22, the Florida Administrative Code: Child Care Standards. According to their website, the Florida Department of Children and Families (FDCF) is responsible for the registration of family day care homes, in addition to the licensing of child care facilities, specialized child care facilities for the care of mildly ill children, and large family child care homes. The Florida Administrative Code lists the requirements that must be met for the facility and its staff, as well as the process to obtain licensing and fulfill health and safety codes.

3. Complete a CF-FSP Form 5017, Application for a License to Operate a Child Care Facility. According to the administrative code, the application must be signed by the individual owner, prospective owner, or the designated representative of a partnership, association or corporation. The application must be turned in to the FDCF with a licensing fee, the background screening documents for the owner/operator, and the approved fire and environmental health inspections on the facility. Licenses must be renewed every year and should be filed at least 45 days prior to the end of the current license expiration date. Failure to do so can result in a fine of $50 to $200.

   Note that family day care homes are not required to be licensed or inspected, unless they are located in Brevard, Broward, Hillsborough, Palm Beach, Pinellas, or Sarasota counties. These counties have elected to license family day care homes. All other family day care homes in Florida must still be registered with the FDCF.

4. Ensure that all staff members receive the required training to work in a child care facility. According to Florida Administrative Code, Chapter 65C-22.003, there are specific training requirements based on each staff member's position. In addition, a minimum of 10 hours in-service training is required annually. Training must commence within 90 days of employment.

5. Consult and learn the Florida Administrative Code guidelines on the daily requirements for operating a child-care facility, including caregiver-to-children ratios, the physical requirements of the facility, scheduling of activities, required paperwork for day-to-day operations, and health and safety procedures. The FDCF contact person can be located on the FDCF website and is there to answer questions, guide you through the application process, and ensure state laws and child care facility requirements are met.

References

• Florida Department of Children and Families: Chapter 65C-22, the Florida Administrative Code: Child Care Standards
• Florida Department of Children and Families: Registration Information
• Florida Department of Children and Families: Child Care Regulation: Contacts

Resources

• Florida Department of Children and Families: Child Care
• Florida Department of Health
• Florida Department of Education: Early Learning/ Prekindergarten