Day Care Licensing - What You Need To Know
If you wish to start a day care you need to find out about day care licensing. There is a procedure involved in getting your day care licensed and the more prepared you are the more seamless it will be. Learning about the requirements for a day care license is a great way to discover exactly what is required and whether or not you are fully ready and able to embark on a business in child care.
International and state day care licensing requirements, application procedures and regulations vary and you’ll need to do the research for your area. Ofsted deal with UK licensing and in Ireland the Health Service Executive handle day care registration applications. Information on all USA licensing can be found at the website of the National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Childcare and Early Education.
You will need to ensure that you are offering a safe, hygienic day care environment that supports healthy nutrition, appropriate activities and the overall development and protection of the child because that is exactly what the day care licensing process is designed to do. Taking into consideration all of the above a detailed evaluation of the proposed service is conducted before a day care license will be issued.
The first step in applying for a day care license is the application form. Information required on this application form shall include, but not be limited to: - Contact details, name etc - Plans for the premises showing layout, playground and facilities - Number of children and hours of opening - Details of staff - Educational program proposed - Menu information and schedules - Financial resources available for start up
Once submitted you will undergo an initial consultation with the licensing representatives to discuss the feasibility of starting a program in your area, review the regulations and examine your financial resources. An assessment of the facility to determine if it will comply with the regulations shall be carried out by a licensing evaluator during an announced, preliminary visit. During this visit the following will be examined: - Your telephone must work - Fire detection facilities - Adequate fire extinguishers - That all hazardous substances are stored appropriately - Adequate heating and ventilation - That the overall facility is safe - The premises must be hygienic and clean - That all toys and educational equipment is safe and appropriate
You will be issued or denied a day care license following review of your entire application process. Generally, licenses are valid for a year and must be displayed in a conspicuous place at all times. Get up to date and stay on top of regulations with the following resources: Building Blocks - the latest guidelines are contained in this document in an easily accessed and understandable format. Also, Stepping Stones - good source of key health and safety practices that reduce disease disability and death in child care facilities. Your chances of success in applying for day care licensing increase dramatically if you arm yourself with knowledge in advance, so, do the preparation and good luck starting your day care.
To discover more about how to start a daycare, visit Child Care Only where you will find this and much more, covering all aspects of starting a daycare center.
- Rene Sandan
