| In most of the states in the United States, if you | | | | for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early |
| are a child care provider caring for non-relatives | | | | Education for more information. Their contact |
| then you're required by law to be either licensed | | | | number is 1-800-598-KIDS (5437). They'll provide |
| or registered by the relevant government agency. | | | | you with daycare licensing contact information for |
| Some childcare providers may be exempted | | | | your state. In general, daycare licensing is stricter |
| depending on the number of children that they will | | | | than registration. Requirements for daycare |
| be caring for. Licensing requirements and | | | | registration are also less numerous and stringent |
| regulations vary from state to state. There are | | | | and providers are not visited and monitored as |
| differences in terms of training required, | | | | often as those who are licensed. If you require a |
| maximum number of children and the maximum | | | | license, you are not allowed to start providing |
| number for each age for the children. | | | | care until you're licensed. Sometimes providers |
| If you're starting a day care center, you'll need to | | | | who are exempt can choose to be regulated |
| make sure that you meet the licensing | | | | because of the many benefits that this brings. For |
| requirements for your state. Exempt daycare | | | | example: |
| providers that are not required to be licensed or | | | | - Free business listing in licensing agency directories |
| registered can operate legally without daycare | | | | - This is great for marketing and also helps give |
| licensing but those daycare providers who are | | | | your daycare business a professional image and |
| required to be licensed or registered and do not | | | | credibility. |
| comply are illegal! | | | | - Access to other support services such as |
| What is daycare licensing? | | | | libraries and publications that are aimed at |
| Daycare licensing allows daycare businesses or | | | | improving standards. |
| providers who meet certain requirements to | | | | - Inspectors can be a good source of advice and |
| operate legally. If you run a daycare center | | | | help especially if you're just starting out. |
| without meeting the necessary requirements and | | | | There are some books about starting a day care |
| therefore without a license, then you'll be breaking | | | | business with step by step instructions on |
| the law. Daycare licensing ensures that minimum | | | | Daycare licensing. One of the best things you can |
| standards of a basic level of care are being met. | | | | do is invest in one of these start-up guides. They |
| It also ensures that daycare providers are in | | | | can help you avoid some of the mistakes that |
| compliance with the requirements of the law. | | | | people starting daycare businesses often make. |
| Daycare licensing Vs. Daycare registration | | | | Visit our website for information on a complete |
| To decide whether you need to be registered or | | | | business package to help you easily and quickly |
| licensed, you need to check with local laws and | | | | start your own profitable day care business. |
| regulations. Contact the National Resource Center | | | | |