According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), childcare workers need a high school diploma or the equivalent to work in a daycare center. Childcare workers can receive short-term on-the-job training. Although the job openings for childcare workers are expected to grow slowly between now and 2028, the BLS projects that preschool and childcare center directors will be in higher demand, growing at about 7%. Preschool and daycare center directors need a Bachelor’s degree and on-the-job experience in early childhood education. They can also get a national credential, the CDA (Child Development Associate) credential.

Childcare.gov provides information for parents and daycare providers. While child daycare licensing for different sizes and types of daycare businesses vary from state to state, each state meets basic requirements for a daycare license, including:

• Supervision of children: maximum number of children per childcare worker, maximum number of children per facility and per administrator or supervisor.
• Building safety: emergency exits, repairs, safety, and cleanliness.
• Health safety: child immunizations, diapering for younger children, hand washing and sanitation.
• Food and nutrition: food quality, storage, and nutritional standards.
• Training and education: minimum levels for licensed facilities.

Most daycare facilities in the majority of states are licensed based upon the following factors:

• Age of children (0-5, school-aged)
• Number of children served
• Type of daycare (home-based vs. community facility)

Childcare.gov provides information about best practices in center and class size by age. State requirements vary, but in general, different age groups require different ratios of teacher and aide to children. The following guidelines cover best practices:

• Infants (0-12 months): One trained adult for three to four infants
• Young toddler (1-2 years): One trained adult for three to six young toddlers
• Older toddler (2-3 years): One trained adult for four to six older toddlers
• Preschool (3-5 years): One trained adult to no more than six to 10 preschoolers
• School-aged (5 and up): One trained adult to no more than 10 to 12 school-aged children.

Some centers do not accept children younger than three years because of the special requirements of diapering and feeding very young children. Educational programs like Montessori or private schools may start children when they are potty-trained and can safely drink liquids without choking if they are younger than three.

Basic federal health and safety requirements cover all states. According to Childcare.gov, all adults who are taking care of children at a daycare center need to have training in:

• Pediatric first aid and CPR
• Infectious disease prevention (handwashing to immunizations)
• Safe sleeping practices and prevention of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
• Recognition and prevention of child abuse and neglect
• Indoor and outdoor basic safety
• Food allergy prevention and emergency response
• Emergency preparedness for natural disasters
• Child development, physical activity, and nutrition

You will be violating the law in the majority of states if you accept payment for taking care of unrelated children in your home on a regular basis without a daycare license.Occasional babysitting isn’t considered under most state daycare regulations. In California, programs operating without a daycare license can be fined up to $200 a day.

Each state will have its own requirements for business insurance, and you may find additional requirements for coverage from your city and county. If you’ve met all of your requirements for licensing in your state, daycare insurance will be available for you. After you’ve done everything you need to be licensed, daycare marketing ideas can help to build your business. Running a daycare is challenging but incredibly rewarding when you see children learn and grow every day.