Child care providers in Ohio must be licensed by the state to provide care.
Becoming a licensed child care provider can provide your family with a second source of income, or it can serve as the primary source of income. Licensed child care providers are regulated by the state in which the provider offers child care services. Licensing requirements are typically extensive and can take several months to a year to complete. In the state of Ohio, the Department of Job and Family Services and the Department of Education determine licensing requirements for child care providers.
Instructions
1. Determine the type of facility you will be opening or if you will be providing child care services from home. This will affect the different licensing requirements that you must meet in order to legally provide child care in Ohio. If you will be offering services for seven or more children, you must be licensed. Home day cares are divided into two different classifications. "Type A" homes are those that provide services to seven to 12 children in the home while "type B" homes are those homes with one to six children, with no more than three children under the age of six. Type B homes must be certified by the county but not licensed.
2. Submit an initial application for a provisional six-month license. The licensing application can be downloaded and printed directly from the Ohio Department of Education website. The initial application will set the ball in motion for your initial interview with the licensing authorities. No children may be be cared for in this interim period.
3. Prepare your home or facility for the initial on-site review by the licensing agency. A list of requirements can be obtained by downloading the file directly from the Department of Education's website. In general, the agent will observe that you have the proper paperwork and recording forms to operate a child care facility. The Department of Education suggests that you put together a binder containing all of the necessary forms. In addition to the necessary paperwork, you must prepare play space and sleeping areas for inspection. Diaper-changing areas and disposal areas must be properly cleaned and sanitized, and all food preparation and storage areas must meet state standards.
4. Submit your personal information along with any information about other workers in the child care facility to the state for a required background check conducted through the FBI. Ohio House Bill 190 mandates that all licensed educators, non-licensed employees and certificate holders complete a criminal investigation check prior to obtaining a license.
5. Train staff members according to the regulations established by the Department of Education. Workers must be trained by a qualified education provider. Visit the website of the Department of Education to obtain a list of the approved education providers in the state of Ohio.
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