Become a Certified Child Care Provider

Basic Application Requirements for Certification

• Must complete a JFS01643 Application for Professional Type B Home Certification OR JFS01642 Application/Inspection for Limited Certification
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Professional Certification requires a high school diploma or GED.
• Medical examination completed.
• Professional Certification requires applicants to have at least six months experience in caring for a child twelve years or younger or have obtained at least thirty clock hours of documented training.
• Professional Certification requires at least three written references from individuals not related to the applicant and shall be satisfactory.
• Applicant and adults in the household shall sign the JFS01329 Statement of Nonconvictions.
• BCI, FBI, Local Police and Sheriff background checks shall be submitted for the applicant and all adults in the household.
• A Public Children’s Services background records check will be completed on the applicant and all adults in the household.
• Professional Certification requires the applicant to have a least one emergency/substitute caregiver that meets background and training requirements.
• Applicant must complete a Health and Safety in Family Child Care Course (6 Hour Course).
• Applicant must be certified in First Aid and CPR.

Basic Home Requirements

• At least 35 square feet per child of usable indoor floor space.
• A working land-line telephone.
• At least one working UL or FM smoke detector on each level of the home.
• At least one working UL carbon monoxide detector on each level of the home.
• At least one 1A:10BC fire extinguisher, located in the kitchen.
• A first aid kit with the required supplies.
• Child-proof protective cover for all electrical outlets in all areas of the home where children are present.
• Equipment and materials for all age level of children that will be cared for.
• Outdoor play space that has at least 60 square feet per child, with shade provided.
• Smoking is NOT permitted when children are present.

Other Requirements:

• Providers may provide child care for no more than six children at any one time, and no more than three of those children may be under two years of age.
• Professional certification requires providers to attend at least six hours of training annually AND maintain certification in First Aid and CPR.
• Professional certification requires the home to be inspected by the county job and family services at least twice per year, announced or unannounced.