Home Day Care: License & Inspection

Safeguarding Your Home Day Care

Home day care businesses have become a great avenue for women, and even men, to become entrepeneurs and work out of their homes. As a much needed service in the United States, home day care businesses provide care for not only small children but also for aging adults. When considering the start of a home based business, it is important to check with your state's licensing department to determine what, if any, licensing opportunities are available as, with licensing, the exposure and credibility of your home day care business will improve exponentially.

Creating an atmosphere that is friendly and inviting, while remaining safe and in compliance with your State's guidelines, is the optimal route when establishing a home day care business. In every state, there is a goverment regulated agency which oversees the welfare of children and families. Begin by contacing the child welfare agency in your state to determine what the requirements may be to become a Licensed Day Care Provider. Most often, the application process involves a few pieces of paper, attendance at a state approved orientation, obtaining CPR certification, and then a background check to confirm the non-existance of criminal background, especially those involving sex related offenses.

While your application for licensure as a day care provider is in processing, you can begin to prepare your home for the essential safety requirements most states will require at inspection. First, be sure all floors are well covered and, if using hard wood floors, planks are free of debris and safety hazards. Next, gather some child safety covers for your electrical outlets and use rubber bands to wrap any loose electrical cords which may be attached to your home electrical devices, such as TVs or DVD players.