How to Start a Daycare in Cincinnati, Ohio

Daycare centers and daycare homes in Cincinnati with more than six children must be licensed.

There is a somewhat complex web of agencies involved in the process of licensing in Ohio. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) licenses daycare centers and homes not located in schools or educational service centers. Centers situated in public and charter schools and educational service centers are licensed by the Ohio Department of Education (ODE).



In addition, the ODJFS is further divided into state and county agencies responsible for different aspects of childcare oversight. Licensing is done through the state agency, and registration is completed through the county agency.

Things You'll Need

• Application fee
• ODJFS Childcare Center Manual (for ODJFS licenses)
• ODJFS Electronic Manuals Help Guide (for ODJFS licenses)

Instructions

1. 

   The Small Business Development Center can help create a business plan.

   Write a business plan with the help of the local Small Business Development Center. The Ohio Small Business Development Center offers free business advice and help with planning. Choose the type of child care center to develop, and find a suitable location.

2. Determine which agency to contact according to the type of daycare. Applications and regulations for daycare home and daycare center licensure can be obtained from the ODJFS Daycare Manual PDF (see Resources). For daycare centers in schools and educational service centers, find applications and regulations at the ODE website. Registration for Type B homes and for Type A homes wishing to receive public subsidies in Cincinnati can be obtained at the county ODJFS office:

   Cincinnati Field Office

   Pictoria Tower 1

   225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 500

   Springdale, OH 45246

3. 

   Daycare centers must be safe, cheerful and educational.

   Set up the daycare center or home following the business plan. Ensure that there is at least 35 square feet of usable floor space for each child indoors and at least 60 square feet of play area outside per child. In addition, provide a separate space for children under 2 years old that includes a sanitary diapering area.

   Child-proof all areas. Cover electrical outlets and be sure restricted areas are gated. Cabinets should be locked and cleaning chemicals out of reach. Install smoke alarms and fire extinguishers. Post emergency numbers and a fire escape plan in a prominent place. Set up places for play and other spaces for eating and sleeping.

4. 

   Criminal records checks must be completed.

   Contact the local fire department (513-352-6220) and health department (513-357-7291) to schedule an initial inspection. If anything more needs to be done, inspectors will inform the daycare owner, who can reschedule a return inspection. Hire staff and complete criminal records checks and communicable disease tests for all. Either the ODE or ODJFS will take information and fingerprints to submit to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and the FBI. There may be other places that provide fingerprinting, such as school districts, educational service centers, or sheriff's offices. The health department can conduct health checks.

5. Call the appropriate agency for an initial interview; or for Type B, simply visit the county office for registration. The licensing expert will inspect and help the daycare owner become compliant with agency rules.

   Contact the Office of Early Learning and School Readiness licensing team (for ODE centers) found on the Licensing for Preschool page at the ODE website or call 614-466-0224 . Find more information on the preschool regulations page of the ODE website. Click the age group the center will serve.

   For ODJFS centers or homes, contact the state ODJFS agency.

6. 

   Ohio requires staff training in first aid and child abuse recognition.

   Train staff. Child care centers and homes in Ohio serving more than six children are required to conduct in-service staff training in first aid; prevention, recognition and management of communicable diseases; child abuse recognition and prevention; and CPR.

7. 

   Ohio requires a playground to be safe.

   Submit the applications. Complete the Application for Child Care License (Form JFS 01210) from the Child Care Manual for ODJFS licensure. The ODE application can be found on the ODE website under Rules and Regulations for Preschool Programs and School Age Child Care page.

   The agency site inspections are performed prior to licensing the daycare center. They include an inspection of the site as well as confirming the documentation of earlier health and fire inspections and staff medical information.

   The agency will schedule an inspection of the daycare center or home. During the inspection, the indoor and outdoor spaces will be inspected and required documentations will be confirmed.

   According to Peggy Blevins, former ODJFS daycare supervisor, the licensing expert will keep the owner informed of the decision process. Centers or homes serving fewer than six children (with three or fewer under the age of 2) can conduct daycare while waiting for licensure. Once approved, the expert will call the owner. A confirmation letter follows. Once in receipt of the letter, the daycare can enroll more than six children while waiting for the official license.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider joining the Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce.

• Ask the SBDC for marketing tips.

• Consider obtaining accreditation from an outside agency such as with the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

• Stay informed about project recalls and local health and safety warnings.

• Avoid unnecessary state inspections by providing opportunity for parents to give feedback and express their concerns.

References

• Ohio Department of Job & Family Services: Childcare in Ohio
• Ohio Department of Education Learning Supports: Licensing for Preschool Programs and School-Age Child Care
• Ohio Department of Job & Family Svcs.: Childcare Center Manuals
• Ohio Department of Education: Rules and Regulations for Preschool Programs and School-Age Childcare

Resources

• City of Cincinnati
• Ohio Small Business Development Centers: Online Request for Counseling
• Ohio Department of Job & Family Services: Resources for Providers
• Ohio Job & Family Services: Child Care Licensing Field Offices Supervisor Contact List
• Ohio Department of Job & Family Svcs.: ODJFS Electronic Manuals Help Guide