properly licensed as a child care or day care center.
Every state regulates child care facilities. Licensed child care providers must often complete classes on child safety and health (specific credentials required vary).
Most state licensing agencies require staff to have at least a Bachelor’s degree and child care center directors must often be credentialed with the Child Development Association
(C.D.A).
Most states will assess the condition of the facility either in person or through documentation. Some states will send a representative to examine the premises of the proposed
child care center and investigate the person responsible for the center. Other states require detailed information about the facility in the initial application such as proof of
compliance with building code, proof of compliance under local zoning laws, and proof of recent health inspection. Additional exhibits may also include a diagram of the facility,
copy of evacuation plan, detailed menu, description of program activities, etc.
Ongoing compliance is required for all child care licensing. Each state has different strategies for monitoring the licensees. Regular visits by a regulatory agent and
aggressive investigation of any complaints are common. All child day care center licenses must be renewed.
It is illegal to operate an unlicensed home daycare and childcare center. Fines can be up to $300.00 per day of unlicensed operation. The most frequent penalties are
revocation of a license, denial of a license, immediate closure of a facility, and a civil fine.
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