Types of Child Care

• Registered Child Care Homes

  Registered Child Care Homes provide care in the caregiver's home for up to six children under age 14; they may also take in up to six more school-age children. The number of children allowed in a home is determined by the ages of the children. No more than 12 children can be in care at any time, including children of the caregiver. The application process requires that a registered child care home provider complete an orientation class and receive clearances on background checks. A registration certificate is issued after licensing staff completes an on-site inspection to ensure minimum standards are met. Registered homes are inspected every 1-2 years and to investigate reports alleging violations of standards or child abuse/neglect.

• Licensed Child Care Homes

  Licensed Child Care Homes provide care for less than 24 hours per day for 7-12 children under 14 years old in the permit holder’s own home. No more than 12 children can be in care at any given time, including children of the caregiver. The application process requires that the licensed operation provider receive orientation and background checks are conducted. A license is issued after licensing staff completes on-site inspection(s) to ensure minimum standards are met. Licensed facilities are inspected at least once every 12 months and to investigate reports alleging violations of standards or child abuse/neglect.

• Licensed Child Care Centers

  Licensed child care centers provides care for seven (7) or more children for less than 24 hours per day at a location other than the child’s or caregiver home. Centers may have different names, such as preschool, or child development center, or may serve a specific population, such as school-age children.

  Licensed facilities have published standards they are required to follow and are routinely monitored and inspected. The application process requires that the licensed operation provider receive orientation and background checks are conducted. A license is issued after licensing staff completes on-site inspection(s) to ensure minimum standards are met. Licensed facilities are inspected at least once every 12 months and to investigate reports alleging violations of standards or child abuse/neglect. Licensed Facilities include child care and 24 hour residential care.

• Listed/Relative Care

  Parents in the Child Care Assistance program are allowed to use an eligible relative of the child as the child care provider. An eligible relative is an individual who DOES NOT live in the same household as the child, is at least 18 years old, and is by marriage, blood relationship, or court decree one of the following:

  - The child’s grandparent or great grandparent

  - The child’s aunt or uncle (child’s parents sibling); or

  - The child’s sibling

  Relatives must list with Child Care Licensing to provide regular child care. After receipt of an application and licensing background check clearances, an Issuance Letter is furnished to the relative who will be providing the child care. The Listed Family Home caregiver must be at least 18 years old, however, there are no minimum standards, orientation or training requirements for listed homes. Listed Family Homes are not inspected unless a report is received alleging child abuse/neglect, an immediate risk of danger to the health or safety of a child, and/or if providing child care that is subject to regulation.

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