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By Vanessa
Rasmussen, © 2004, All rights reserved.
Website: http://www.startingadaycarecenter.com
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A
childcare
license is required for all individuals
and daycare centers that provide care to
one or more children. To obtain a license,
every facility needs to follow standard
norms and undergo regular inspection. Licensing
can be obtained from state licensing authorities.
All applicants for childcare license require
mandatory orientation. State agencies conduct
background checks on all employees before
granting the license to a facility. |
As a parent,
you should always inquire about the license
of a daycare center or an individual. Ensure
that the license is valid. In case a person
or a center is operating without proper license,
report them immediately to the local authorities.
All childcare
facilities are inspected by licensing officials
at least once a year to determine if they meet
the minimum standards and licensing laws. Such
facilities are also inspected at least once
a year unannounced.
Licensing staff
complete a compliance letter or compliance evaluation
form when an inspection is conducted. The most
recent letter or form is posted or available
at the facility for parents' review.
During the process
of monitoring, when a facility fails to correct
compliances in a timely manner, action against
the facility can result in evaluation, probation,
suspension, administrative penalties, or revocation
of the license or registration certificate.
All states recognize
broadly two types of legal childcare facilities
- one that is licensed and the other that is
not licensed but yet legal. Although, it is
always recommended that you put your child in
a licensed facility, you may go with some of
the unlicensed options to save childcare costs.
Licensed facilities
are classified into:
- Childcare
Centers
- Childcare
Homes
- Preschools
- School Age
Childcare
- Large Home
Childcare
Unlicensed facilities
are classified into:
- Child being
cared for in a home by a relative
- Child being
cared for in a home by a non-relative
- Child being
cared for out of a home by a relative
- Child being
cared for out of a home by a non-relative
Copyright
2001, 2004. All rights reserved. Any reproduction
of this article in whole or in part without
written or verbal permission is strictly prohibited.
For information about reprinting this article,
contact the copyright owner: Vanessa Rasmussen,
Ph.D, Starting a Day Care Center, http://www.startingadaycarecenter.com.
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