Start Child Care

They will connect you to the Child Care Licensing Specialist, help you start the application process, and provide a list of specific state, country and local licensing requirements. Here are some questions you may want to ask:
- Does my community have additional ordinances that regulate child care?
- Where do I go to get fingerprinted? Is there a charge?
- Do other people living in my home need to get fingerprinted as well?
- Do I need a fire inspection?
- Where can I get pediatric CPR/AED/First Aid training?

This link will take you to a list of forms that include the following documents that you will need to complete your required Criminal Background Check
☐ SFN 829 - Personal Authorization for Criminal History Record Information Inquiry
☐ SFN 60688 - Criminal History Record Check Request Form
☐ SFN 836 - Fingerprint Identity Verification

Your Child Care Licensing Specialist can tell you where to go for fingerprinting and if there is a charge for this service.
Other household members, child care helpers, or volunteers may need to be fingerprinted. Contact your child care licenser to verify requirements.

Complete Personnel Requirements

The child care provider must
- Be present in home at least 60% during child care hours
- Meet staffing requirements based on the number of children present
- CPR/First Aid Certified
- Completed required SIDS and Getting Started trainings
- Completed Orientation (in person or online)
Worker/volunteers must be
- At least 12 years of age if an immediate family member
- Have written permission if between the ages of 14 and 16 years
- Be supervised by the provider at all times if under age 18
- Receive orientation within the first week of employment
- Have completed authorized background checks

Complete and Organize Required Paperwork
File these documents in one central location (e.g. a file box or drawer) to expedite the licensing inspection..

Including but not limited to
- Guidance and discipline of children
- Accident and illness response procedures
- Reporting procedure if parents or staff wish to file a complaint, suspected licensing violation, or suspected child abuse or neglect
- Hiring practices
- Daily reports for their child upon request
- Accountability procedure if a child fails to arrive
- Transportation procedures, if applicable
- Aquatic activities policy

Notifying them of fees and time of payment.

Prepare Individual Files
If a child is enrolled prior to licensing, each child must have an individual file that includes the following:

This link will take you to a list of forms that include the following documents you will need to complete your application for a Family Child Care License
☐ SFN 845 - Child Information Sheet
☐ SFN 847 - Parent's Statement of Health
☐ SFN 16038 - Certification of Immunization

Prepare Your Child Care Environment
Verify that your child care environment has the following:

Providing adequate supply of safe materials and toys for indoor/outdoor play

One working detector in each sleeping area and one on each level

One working fire extinguisher on each level

Soap and towels (paper or individual) available at each sink

If you have completed all the items you are ready to schedule your licensing inspection. Call your Child Care Licensing Specialist to schedule an inspection and complete the licensing process.
Contact a Child Care Aware Start-Up Consultant if you have questions or need assistance..