Getting Started
Any individual who is paid to care for children not related to them in their home on a regular basis is required by state law to be licensed through the Department of Social and Health Services, Office of Child Care Policy. Child care programs in residental homes are limited to less than12 children. Any program serving more than 12 children is required to be licensed as a child care center and cannot be located in a private residence. Some part-time programs may be eligible to operate as preschool or licensed-exempt programs. Call our office to get the number of the Licensing Manager in your area if you wish to find out about how to become a licensed child care provider.
Parent Line 1-800-300-1247
Some things to think about before starting a Family Child Care Home:
- Would you enjoy spending a lot of time caring for young children?
- Would you enjoy communicating with parents about their children's growth and development?
- Is your home suitable (e.g., absence of lead paint) for a family child care home?
- Does your home have sufficient space to allow you to care for young children? (Space is needed for projects and activities, indoor and outdoor active play, meals, naptime, and a sanitary diapering area.)
- Do you have outdoor play space (enclosed yard or fenced public park within easy walking distance)?
- Will your family be supportive of your running a family child care program in your home?
- If you have children of your own, will they adapt well to sharing their home with other children for a significant amount of time during the week?
- Can you keep track of the business details of running a family child care home?
We can help you determine the level of need in your community.
Community demographics, available from the town or city government, can help you estimate the need for child care. If there are many families with young children, and/or a high birth rate, you can expect that many parents may be seeking child care in the near future.
