Day Care Licensing Tips
Day care licensing knowledge and information is a necessary prerequisite if you wish to start a day care. Adequate preparation translates into a much smoother day care licensing application procedure and a better chance of success. You will discover, through thorough research, whether or not you are suited to starting a day care business as well as all the necessary requirements you must have in place for a day care license.
Licensing requirements, regulations and applications vary from state to state and internationally. Details for your particular area can be found at the website of the National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Childcare and Early Education. UK information is handled by Ofsted and in Ireland contact your local HSE Pre-school Officer plus the Childcare Authority can provide relevant contacts.
Generally speaking, the day care licensing process is designed to protect the children and ensure that the day care environment is safe, children's overall welfare is being served from the point of view of safety, hygiene, nutrition, activities and all aspects of their development. Granting a day care license occurs upon completion of a detailed evaluation of the proposed service which takes into account all of the above.
Completing the application form is the first step in applying for a day care license. Generally, the following information, at the very least, will be required: - Contact details, name etc - Premises plan indicating kitchen, bathrooms, playrooms, play areas - Number of children and hours of opening - Staff information - Educational program proposed - Information on menus and meal times 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. You must display your license in your facility and they are usually valid for a year. 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 - ensure your health and safety practices are adequate thus minimizing the risk of disease, injury or death in your day care. You have a better chance of succeeding in your application for day care licensing if you arm yourself with knowledge in advance, so, do the preparation and good luck starting your day care.
To discover more about starting a day care, visit Child Care Only where you will find this an much more, including information on how to write a daycare plano.
Published August 21st, 2008
Filed in Business, Home Business