What Certifications Do I Need to Open a Daycare?
What Certifications Do I Need to Open a Daycare?
Child care licensing and daycare certification requirements
Opening a daycare requires meeting specific daycare certification and licensing standards to ensure child safety, staff qualifications, and compliance with state regulations. Child care licensing requirements vary by state but generally include education credentials, health and safety training, background checks, and facility safety regulations.
| Certification type | Description | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Childcare license | Legal permit to operate a daycare | State-specific application |
| Credentials | Education in child development or related fields | Varies, from high school diploma or GED to a degree |
| Staff training | CPR, first aid, safe sleep, child abuse reporting | Introductory training plus ongoing education |
| Background checks | Criminal history screening for all staff and volunteers | Mandatory before hiring or licensing |
| Child-to-staff ratios | Limits on number of children per caregiver | Varies by child age group |
| Staff training | Health, infant safe sleep, abuse recognition | Required for infant and early childhood care |
| Facility safety | Fire extinguisher training, sanitation, emergency plans | Required for operational compliance |
Childcare license
Obtaining a childcare license is mandatory and involves meeting state health and safety standards. This includes passing inspections and submitting detailed applications. Licensing ensures a safe environment for children and legal operation of the daycare.
Each state has different rules for child care licensing, with some not requiring a license at all for certain facilities. For example, California doesn't require one if you're only caring for kids related to you or kids from one other family. To know what you need in your specific location, follow these steps:
Decide whether you'll open a center-based or home-based daycare.
Contact your local Child Care Resource & Referral Agency (CCR&R). They'll give you support and resources before, during, and after this process.
Locate your local childcare licensing office.
Credentials
States often require daycare directors to have relevant degrees or at least some coursework in child development, education, or social work. Some states accept a high school diploma or GED with additional training. Staff qualifications reassure families and improve care quality.
Staff training
All daycare personnel must complete initial training, which is normally a 40-hour course covering child care regulations, health and safety, child development, and abuse reporting. Many states also require specialized training for infant care and literacy.
Background checks
Criminal background checks are necessary for all staff, volunteers, and household members in family child care homes and daycare centers. Federal law requires background checks for all facilities that get federal funding as well. This screening protects children and ensures trustworthy caregivers.
Background checks commonly include:
FBI fingerprint checks to verify criminal history
Sex offender registry checks to ensure no staff members are registered sex offenders
State-based criminal history checks to check for any local criminal history
State-based child abuse and neglect registry checks to identify individuals with a history of child abuse
Child-to-staff ratios
States mandate specific child-to-staff ratios. Personalized attention helps children feel secure and comfortable, while also reducing stress for both children and staff. Managing smaller groups is easier when there are enough trained adults, and it allows staff to supervise more effectively, lowering the risk of accidents or injuries.
Most states set minimum requirements for the number of adults per group of children, with ratios varying by the children's ages. Here are general guidelines for child-to-adult ratios:
Infants (under 12 months): 1 trained adult for every 3 to 4 infants
Young toddlers (1 to 2 years): 1 trained adult for every 3 to 6 young toddlers
Older toddlers (2 to 3 years): 1 trained adult for every 4 to 7 older toddlers
Preschoolers (3 to 5 years): 1 trained adult for every 6 to 10 preschoolers
Always check your state's specific regulations regarding child-to-staff ratios and group sizes.
Facility safety
Childcare providers must maintain a safe, clean environment and comply with state health and safety regulations. This includes having emergency plans, conducting regular safety drills, and ensuring staff have CPR and first aid certifications. State and federal standards often require ongoing training.
Centers serving food may need food safety training and must follow nutritional standards, especially if participating in programs like the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). States also require careful recordkeeping—tracking staff training, child immunizations, and meal logs—to ensure compliance and streamline operations.
Facility requirements include a minimum indoor and outdoor space per child, secure play areas, and proper lighting and ventilation. For example, some states mandate 35 to 45 square feet of indoor and outdoor space per child, with secure fencing and age-appropriate equipment.
For in-depth details on the process of opening a daycare, check out our guides on how to start a daycare and how to start a daycare at home.
Home daycare certification
The requirements to start a home daycare are similar to traditional daycare centers but are sometimes less strict:
Age and education: Must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent
Licensing and training: Completion of CPR, first aid, child safety, and orientation courses
Background checks: Fingerprinting and background screening for all adults residing in the home
Health and safety: Must be childproof with safe, sufficient indoor and outdoor play spaces
Ratios: Must comply with state-mandated child capacity and adult-to-child supervision ratios
Health records: Up-to-date immunization documentation for both children and the provider
Documentation: Maintain policies, daily attendance, emergency contacts, and incident logs
Landlord / HOA approval: Written consent from landlord or homeowners association if applicable
Inspections and renewals: Pass regular state inspections and keep licenses and certifications current
For a more detailed look, read our guide on in-home daycare requirements.
Do home daycares have to be licensed?
The law requires most home daycares to have a license if they provide regular care for children who are not related to the provider. Licensing ensures that providers meet minimum health, safety, and training standards set by the state.
However, there are exceptions. Some states allow license-exempt care for relatives, occasional babysitting, or caring for only a few children, as defined by state regulations. Always check your specific state's requirements, as rules and exemptions vary.
License-exempt programs
The government legally permits some daycare programs to operate without a state child care license. These license-exempt programs must meet specific criteria, which vary by state, and may include certain in-home care, faith-based programs, or facilities overseen by other government agencies. Types of license-exempt programs include:
Care provided by relatives or for only a few children, as defined by state law
Programs operated by public schools, military, or religious organizations
Cooperative care where parents share responsibilities and no payment is involved
Part-day, drop-in, or seasonal programs, and those operating less than a set number of hours per day
License-exempt daycares are not the same as unlicensed centers providing illegal care. If you're a parent looking for child care, always make sure the center has the appropriate certifications.
Requirements and oversight
While license-exempt providers do not follow full licensing regulations, some oversight may still apply. For example:
Many states require fire and health inspections before opening, especially for faith-based or group settings.
Providers receiving state child care subsidies may need to pass background checks, register with a state registry, and complete health and safety self-verifications.
Exempt programs must often notify local authorities and submit annual paperwork to maintain their exemption status.
Daycare certification online
Online daycare certification programs provide a flexible way for aspiring and current child care providers to meet training and professional development requirements. These programs cover essential topics such as health and safety, child development, curriculum planning, and state-specific regulations, allowing participants to learn at their own pace.
Types of online certification programs include:
Child Development Associate (CDA): Many online platforms offer coursework that fulfills the training hours needed for the CDA credential, a widely recognized certification in early childhood education.
State-specific certificates: Programs like the Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC) or Georgia Director's Certificate are available online to meet state requirements.
Health and safety training: State regulations commonly allow online or virtual courses in CPR, first aid, safe sleep, and child abuse prevention.
Annual training and renewals: Providers can access yearly continuing education and renewal courses online to maintain compliance with licensing standards.
Before you enroll in an online program, verify that it's approved by your state's child care regulatory agency, as requirements and accepted coursework can differ by location. Some states may limit the number of online training hours accepted or require specific in-person components for certain certifications.
Daycare certification FAQs
What certifications do you need to work at a daycare?
To work at a daycare, you generally need to have a high school diploma or GED, pass background checks, and hold CPR and first aid certifications. Many states also require training in child abuse prevention and emergency preparedness to ensure child safety and compliance with regulations.
Additional credentials like a CDA credential or state-specific certifications demonstrate expertise in early childhood education. You'll also need ongoing professional development and annual training to maintain certifications and stay updated on best practices and licensing standards. Always verify your state's specific requirements.
How long does it take to get a daycare license?
The time it takes to get a daycare license varies depending on the state, how quickly you complete each step, and how promptly inspections and background checks are processed. The full process from initial training to final approval can take several weeks to a few months. Delays may occur if forms are incomplete or they need additional documentation.
For example, in Texas, the process includes attending a pre-application class, completing required forms, submitting your application and fees, and passing an inspection. After submitting your application, they may contact you within a few business days for next steps.
Does a church daycare have to be licensed?
Whether a church daycare needs a license depends on state laws. Many states require church daycares to obtain a child care license and follow health, safety, and background check rules like other centers. Some states exempt religious programs if they don't receive public funding or operate only certain hours.
Most exempt programs still must register with the state and meet basic safety standards, especially if they accept federal funds. Always check your state's regulations, as licensing requirements and exemptions for church daycares vary widely. Compliance ensures safe, legal operation and protects the children in your care.
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