Being licensed means that child care centers, family day care homes and group homes have been inspected to assure that 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 child care providers and their employees must pass a comprehensive background check. Each program that requires a license must have the license renewed every two years. The Department of Human Resources prescribes and enforces standards for licensing approval. A Copy of Performance Standards used to license day care facilities may be obtained by contacting the State Department of Human Resources website.
Performance 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