In most of the states in the United States, if you are a child care provider caring for non-relatives then you're required by law to be either licensed or registered by the relevant government agency. Some childcare providers may be exempted depending on the number of children that they will be caring for. Licensing requirements and regulations vary from state to state. There are differences in terms of training required, maximum number of children and the maximum number for each age for the children.

If you're starting a day care center, you'll need to make sure that you meet the licensing requirements for your state. Exempt daycare providers that are not required to be licensed or registered can operate legally without daycare licensing but those daycare providers who are required to be licensed or registered and do not comply are illegal!

What is daycare licensing?

Daycare licensing allows daycare businesses or providers who meet certain requirements to operate legally. If you run a daycare center without meeting the necessary requirements and therefore without a license, then you'll be breaking the law. Daycare licensing ensures that minimum standards of a basic level of care are being met. It also ensures that daycare providers are in compliance with the requirements of the law.

Daycare licensing Vs. Daycare registration

To decide whether you need to be registered or licensed, you need to check with local laws and regulations. Contact the National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education for more information. Their contact number is 1-800-598-KIDS (5437). They'll provide you with daycare licensing contact information for your state. In general, daycare licensing is stricter than registration. Requirements for daycare registration are also less numerous and stringent and providers are not visited and monitored as often as those who are licensed. If you require a license, you are not allowed to start providing care until you're licensed. Sometimes providers who are exempt can choose to be regulated because of the many benefits that this brings. For example:

- Free business listing in licensing agency directories - This is great for marketing and also helps give your daycare business a professional image and credibility.

- Access to other support services such as libraries and publications that are aimed at improving standards.

- Inspectors can be a good source of advice and help especially if you're just starting out.

There are some books about starting a day care business with step by step instructions on Daycare licensing. One of the best things you can do is invest in one of these start-up guides. They can help you avoid some of the mistakes that people starting daycare businesses often make. Visit our website for information on a complete business package to help you easily and quickly start your own profitable day care business.

Copyright © 2007. Greg Miles. Click here to get a complete business package to help you easily and quickly start your own profitable day care business: http://www.businesstartupsguide.com/daycare or visit The Start-up Guide online.

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