How do I get a Child Care Certification?

Child care certification is required in many regions. Getting certification or a child care license allows a person to run a day care or child care facility legally, as long as he or she complies with regional rules. Certification guidelines may be very different from region to region; in order to find out about child care certification rules in a specific area, try contacting the local department of social services or child welfare.

Depending on the region, child care certification may be required for a variety of different types of child care. Generally, certification is necessary for caregivers who charge money for their services, advertise to the public, take care of children from more than one family other than their own, and operate in a commercial facility. Different licenses may be required depending on whether care is offered in a residence or commercial location, how many children are attending, and what services are provided. Certain programs may be exempt, such as camps or programs that operate only for a few hours a week or a few weeks per year, or cooperative agreements between groups of parents to provide alternating care with one another without money being exchanged.

In order to receive child care certification, a caregiver must send in an application, which may include a fee, and comply with all necessary regulations. Common requirements include attending state-offered orientations or classes, emergency medical certification, and a staff to child ratio that complies with guidelines. Certain people may be prohibited from receiving child care certification, such as those with criminal histories, particularly if crimes include violent or sexual offenses.

In some areas, any facilities used for child care must be inspected before child care certification is given. This is to ensure that the location is free from safety hazards and provides adequate space to meet children's needs. If the care location is a home, all adults living in the home may be required to pass a background check. Follow up visits may be done for re-certification purposes and in the case of a complaint. Child care facilities may be required to post the license in plain view after it is issued.

After a child care certification application has been submitted, it may be up to the applicant to schedule a home or facility inspection by a licensing official. The inspection must usually be completed within a certain time period, or the application will expire and need to be re-filed. If the location does not match licensing guidelines, the applicant may be given a certain amount of time to correct any issues and undergo a second inspection. Once licensing guidelines are met, a license will be issued and sent to the applicant.