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Read this guideHome Daycare Requirements: The Complete Starter Checklist
Starting a home daycare feels big until you break it into steps. This checklist walks through the full path, in order, from first research to first enrolled child.
Step 1: Learn your state's rules
Every state licenses home daycare in its own way. States set how many children you may care for, what ages, what training you need, and whether your home must be licensed, registered, or certified. Some small programs are legally exempt from licensing, but exemption has strict limits.
Start with your state's page on this site, then confirm the details with your state licensing agency. Rules change, and only the agency's current word counts. Write down your contact's name and your application deadlines from this first call.
- Find your state licensing agency and its family child care rules
- Confirm if your planned program needs a license or registration
- Note child limits, age limits, and required ratios
- Ask about zoning, landlord, or HOA limits in your area
Good to know: Rules vary by state. Nothing here replaces your state agency's current requirements.
Step 2: Training and background checks
Nearly every state requires background checks for the provider and for other adults in the home. Start these early, because results can take weeks. CPR and first aid certification is also required almost everywhere for licensed care.
Many states require orientation or pre-licensing training hours in child development, health, and safety. Some training is free through state or resource and referral programs. Book your classes as soon as you know what is required, so training does not delay your opening.
- Background checks and fingerprinting for all adults in the home
- CPR and first aid certification
- State orientation or pre-licensing class
- Required training hours in health, safety, and child development
Step 3: Make your home safe and ready
Licensing visits focus hard on safety. Walk your home like an inspector. Secure heavy furniture, cover outlets, lock up cleaning products and medicines, and set up safe sleep spaces for infants that follow current safe sleep rules.
Check the basics too: working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, a fire extinguisher, a stocked first aid kit, gates where needed, and a safe outdoor play area. Fix the small things before your visit, and your inspection becomes a calm event instead of a scramble.
- Safe sleep setup for infants
- Outlet covers, cabinet locks, and baby gates
- Detectors, fire extinguisher, and first aid kit
- Medicines and cleaning products locked away
- Safe indoor and outdoor play spaces
Step 4: Set up the business side
A license makes you legal. A business setup makes you sustainable. Before you enroll anyone, set your rates from your real costs, not a guess. Write your parent contract and handbook, with your hours, fees, holidays, and sick policy in plain words.
Open a simple system for money and records: a way to invoice, a way to track attendance, and a folder or app for receipts. Get liability insurance quotes, and tell your home insurer about the daycare. These steps feel dull next to setting up a playroom, but they are what separate a business from a favor.
- Rates set from your costs, checked against your local market
- Signed contract and parent handbook ready
- Liability insurance in place and home insurer notified
- Invoice, attendance, and receipt systems chosen
Step 5: Enroll, and join the food program
With your license in hand and your home ready, start telling people. Tell neighbors, local parent groups, and your child care resource and referral agency, which often lists licensed providers for searching parents. Offer tours, and have your contract and rates ready to share.
As soon as you are licensed, look into the CACFP food program through a local sponsor. It repays part of your food costs for the meals you serve, and for many providers it is worth hundreds of dollars a month. Joining early means the help starts with your very first grocery run.
Common questions
Do I need a license to babysit in my home?
It depends on your state and on how many unrelated children you care for, and how often. Many states require a license or registration once you pass a small limit. Check your state's page here, then confirm with your state licensing agency before you start.
How long does it take to get licensed?
It varies by state and by how fast classes, background checks, and inspections move. Many providers finish in a few months. Starting background checks and training right away is the best way to avoid delays.
What should I do first if I feel overwhelmed?
Call your state licensing agency or local child care resource and referral office and ask for the new provider checklist. Then work this list top to bottom, one step at a time. Every licensed provider started exactly where you are.
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Read this guideDisclaimer: HomeDaycareTools.com provides free calculators and general information for planning purposes only. Nothing on this site is tax, legal or financial advice. Tax rules, CACFP rates and licensing rules change — confirm your figures with IRS Publication 587, your CACFP sponsoring organization, your state licensing agency, or a qualified tax professional before filing or signing anything.