Being licensed means that child care centers, family day care homes and group homes have been inspected to assure that minimum standards are met as required by the State Department of Human Resources and the State Fire Marshall’s Office. Some facilities are also inspected by the State Department of Public Health. All programs that require a license must have the license renewed every two years. The Department of Human Resources prescribes and enforces minimum standards for licensing approval. Copies of minimum standards manuals used to license day care facilities may be obtained by contacting the State Department of Human Resources.
Minimum standards for licensure include, but are not limited to:
- Child/staff ratios based on ages of children and types of activities
- Safety requirements for facility and equipment as prescribed by the State Fire Marshall
- Records on children and staff, including immunization and health records
- Minimum educational or training requirements for staff
- Nutritional requirements for children
- Transportation policies
- Requirements for basic program operations and educational programming
- Disciplinary procedures
