Common Questions
Why become a licensed child care provider?
Choosing a child care provider is one of the most
important decisions families make. By becoming a
licensed child care provider, you can reassure parents
that your facility is regulated, meets the minimum
health and safety standards and is monitored for
ongoing compliance by county social services. As a
licensed child care provider, you can also discuss with
parents the requirements for programming and your
ongoing training requirements.
How do you apply for a license?
Contact your county social service agency
to receive information and an application.
Counties hold orientation sessions for prospective
licensed child care providers. Check with your
local county licenser for orientation dates, times
and locations in your area.
What does licensing involve?
It will involve a licensing study of your home by
the county licenser to determine if you meet the
minimum health and safety standards (rules and
regulations). You may be required to have a fire
inspection.
How much does it cost
to become licensed?
Rates very and change. Check with your county licenser.
How many children can be
cared for in your home?
Your county licenser, your educational training, local ordinances and amount of facility space determine the number of children you can care for. You must
not exceed the maximum number allowed by your
license. There needs to be a minimum of 35 square
feet of usable indoor space per child. An average
home is generally adequate. Your county licenser
can discuss the numbers allowed depending on the
square footage and local ordinances.
Can you, as a licensed
child care provider,
have pets?
Check with your county licenser.
Do you need to
fence your yard?
Fencing is necessary for areas in
close proximity to busy streets
or hazardous areas from which
children need to be protected.
Contact your local county
licenser for further information.
Do you need special training to
be a licensed child care provider?
Before you are licensed, you must have a current card
for the completion of CPR and first aid training.
How do you qualify
for the food program?
If you are licensed, you are eligible to participate
in the child and adult food program which provides
information and reimbursement for serving
nutritious meals and snacks in your program.
Links to the food programs are in the Business Resource Section under Food Programs. Contact the food program
of your choice for more details.
|