Steps to Becoming a Licensed Family Child Care Provider

BECOMING A LICENSED FAMILY CHILD CARE PROVIDER is an exciting career move which offers you the opportunity to be at home with your own children and to provide appropriate care and guidance for many other children in your community. The child care profession is constantly expanding and changing to meet the ongoing needs of working families. Licensed family child care providers can earn income for their families, provide an invaluable service for the community, and experience the rewards of helping children become the adults of tomorrow.

If you are looking for a new career with versatility and challenge, this may be the field for you. Follow these seven steps to begin this important work.

1. ATTEND A LICENSING ORIENTATION WORKSHOP
   The City of Boulder, Children, Youth & Families Division offers free workshops where the rules, regulations, required training and licensing process are reviewed. A Licensing Application Packet will be provided at the workshop. To find out when the next workshop is scheduled go back to the Orientation to Family Child Care link or call 303-441-1912.
   
   
2. FOLLOW THE COMPLETE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE LICENSING PACKET
   The packet includes the Rules Regulating Family Child Care Homes, instructions and all required forms to apply for licensure. If you are not able to attend the orientation workshop, packets may be purchased at the Children, Youth & Families front desk or please call us and we will mail you an order form.
   
   
3. HAVE YOUR FINGERPRINTS TAKEN
   Colorado state law requires that child care providers and all adult household members who are 18 years of age or older be fingerprinted and complete a criminal background check to screen out child abuse & neglect, domestic abuse and other violent offenders from the child care profession. Fingerprinting is done at most local law enforcement offices for a moderate cost.
   
   
4. COMPLETE AND MAIL YOUR APPLICATION MATERIALS
   The application form, fingerprint cards for all adult household members, current health examination forms for all household members and the fees must be submitted together to the Colorado State Division of Child Care.
   
   
5. ATTEND ALL REQUIRED TRAINING CLASSES
   Before the licensing specialist visits your home you should complete all of the required training classes. These are: 15 hours of Pre-licensing which includes a broad range of topics such as child development, business practices, positive guidance technique and parent partnerships, 1.5 hours of Universal Precautions, 4 hours of Medication Administration, and state approved First Aid and CPR classes. For information about the next available classes check the links on this web site or call 303-441-1912.
   
   
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 childcare environment before your home visit is scheduled with the Colorado State Division of Child Care licensing specialist.
   
   
7. CALL OR STOP BY CHILDREN, YOUTH & FAMILIES
   If you have questions, need assistance, or want support, we’ll be glad to help you! Children, Youth & Families is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stop by our office at 2160 Spruce Street, Boulder, or give us a call: 303-441-4411.

Last Updated on Tuesday, 25 August 2009 20:09