STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO BECOMING A

LICENSED CHILD CARE PROVIDER

 

1. ATTEND A LICENSING ORIENTATION MEETING.

Resource and Referral offers free meetings where the rules, regulations, and licensing process are reviewed.  To attend the next meeting call your local Resource and Referral.

 

2.  FOLLOW THE COMPLETE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE LICENSING PACKET.

Each person who attends orientation receives a free packets of information which includes the rules, regulations and necessary forms to apply for licensure.  If you are unable to attend orientation and would like to purchase a packet they are available at Resource and Referral for a minimal fee.

 

3.  COMPLETE A BACKGROUND CHECK.

Colorado state law requires that all child care professionals be fingerprinted and complete a criminal background check to screen out child abuse and neglect offenders from the profession.  Fingerprinting can be done at your local sheriff’s office or police department for a moderate cost.  Fingerprint cards are sent with the application.

 

4.  COMPLETE & MAIL APPLICATION MATERIALS.

Application materials include two originals of your application, fingerprint cards for all adult members of your household, current health examination forms for your household, and an application fee.

 

5.  ATTEND REQUIRED TRAINING COURSES

You are required to have completed a course in First Aid and CPR and Medication Administration before you are licensed.  Resource and Referral has information on the next available class.  You must also complete 12 hours of pre-licensing training which include a broad range of subjects such as child development and care, business practices, and positive child guidance and Universal Precautions within 3 months of licensure.  Again, your local Resource and Referral has information on when the next trainings will take place. 

 

6.  MAKE THE NECESSARY PREPARATIONS.

Start-up preparations will vary from one individual to another.  Allow yourself plenty of time for planning, purchasing toys, equipment and supplies, and setting up your child care environment well before your home visit from the Division of Child Care Services is scheduled.

 

7.  CALL OR STOP BY YOUR CHILD CARE RESOURCE AND REFERRAL OFFICE

If you have questions, need assistance, or want support, we’ll be glad to help you!  Northeast Colorado Child Care Resource and Referral is generally available Monday through Friday, 9 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 5 pm.  For phone numbers see NCCR&R Phone Directory!

Opening a Licensed Child Care Home

In Northeast Colorado

THE REWARDS OF LICENSING

You are required by law to be licensed if you care for children from more than one family at a time.  But licensing is not just a requirement. 

Licensed caregivers receive many benefits, including:

Cost-Savings:  Joining a Child Care Food Program can save you up to $4,300/year!

Marketing Assistance:  Northeast Colorado Child Resource and Referral puts you in touch with parents needing child care and provides helpful publications and advice.

Training Opportunities:  Northeast Colorado Child Care Resource and Referral and other organizations offer workshops on everything from art projects to child development to business strategies and more.  Resource and Referral publishes a quarterly newsletter with a calendar of local workshops for licensed caregivers.

Professional Organizations: You can join an organization that offers professional contact and fresh ideas.