Childcare Provider ResourcesBecoming a childcare provider and starting your own child care business takes a little research. This page will point you in the right direction by providing you contact information for your state's department for children and family services that is responsible for regulating and monitoring minimum standards for the legal operation of child care businesses. Just click on your state below and you will be directed to all the information you need to find out what requirements are needed by your state to become a childcare provider. Each state has very specific definitions for what constitutes a child care center or child care home. There are rules that accompany these definitions that must be followed explicitly so it is very important to have a deep knowledge and understanding of these rules. Once you have an understanding and you are certain that this is the right business for you, then you will fill out all the necessary forms and submit them to the necessary department. Once you have been approved, many states require that you attend some type of training or orientation session. When all the i’s have been dotted and the t’s crossed, you will be certified or licensed to operate your child care business. Now, it is time to focus on organizing your business. You will need to determine which rooms will be used and for what purpose (play time, napping, eating), what supplies you need, what activities you will provide, what daily schedule you will follow, and what menu and snacks you will offer. In addition, you will need to have all your forms prepared and your policies written so that you will be ready to register new families. You will want to maintain an accounting system whether it is through old-fashion pen and paper, Excel, or a child care business software program. You will need to decide which method works best for your business and will likely depend on how many children you will be caring for in your home or center. When your center or home is set and ready to go, you need to find clients. A good way to do this is to register with a local child care association. These child care associations help provide support to you as a child care business owner as well as giving you access to continuing education hours that are needed to maintain your certification or license. I would encourage any new child care business owner to register on our site. It’s FREE and a great way to advertise your services. You can access the business listing form by clicking here. Also, word of mouth works wonders. Be sure to tell your family and friends and ask them to pass the word along. You will be surprised at how you will find clients because someone told a friend who told a friend and so on and so on. Whether you are already a childcare provider or daycare business owner or just starting out, be sure to check out each state’s specific information below. You will have access to information about local child care associations, state requirements, CPR and First Aid courses, as well as child care courses for continuing education credits. If you know of a website or contact information that is not included, please contact me so I can add it to the list. As a childcare provider, you will need to provide many activities in your Child Care Curriculum. You can access many great ideas by visiting Child Care Themes. There are also a lot of great monthly arts and crafts project ideas. If you are looking for menu ideas, then go to Child Care Menus. Also, you can access free child care forms and some award certificates to use in your child care business if you go to Child Care Forms. Alabama Alaska Return from Childcare Provider Resources to Home Page
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