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If you wish to start a day care you need to find out about day care licensing. There is a procedure involved in getting your day care licensed and the more prepared you are the more seamless it will be. Learning about the requirements for a day care license is a great way to discover exactly what is required and whether or not you are fully ready and able to embark on a business in child care.

International and state day care licensing requirements, application procedures and regulations vary and you'll need to do the research for your area. Ofsted deal with UK licensing and in Ireland the Health Service Executive handle day care registration applications. Information on all USA licensing can be found at the website of the National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Childcare and Early Education.

You will need to ensure that you are offering a safe, hygienic day care environment that supports healthy nutrition, appropriate activities and the overall development and protection of the child because that is exactly what the day care licensing process is designed to do. Taking into consideration all of the above a detailed evaluation of the proposed service is conducted before a day care license will be issued.

Completing the application form is the first step in applying for a day care license. Generally, the following information, at the very least, will be required: - Contact details, name etc - Premises plan indicating kitchen, bathrooms, playrooms, play areas - Number of children and hours of opening - Staff information - Educational program proposed - Information on menus and meal times Financial resources available for start up

Once submitted you will undergo an initial consultation with the licensing representatives to discuss the feasibility of starting a program in your area, review the regulations and examine your financial resources. An assessment of the facility to determine if it will comply with the regulations shall be carried out by a licensing evaluator during an announced, preliminary visit. During this visit the following will be examined: - Your telephone must work - Fire detection facilities - Adequate fire extinguishers - That all hazardous substances are stored appropriately - Adequate heating and ventilation - That the overall facility is safe - The premises must be hygienic and clean - That all toys and educational equipment is safe and appropriate

Following completion of the application process you will be issued or denied a day care licence. Generally, licenses are valid for a year and must be displayed in a conspicuous place at all times. Some resources that will help you get up to speed are Building Blocks - a tool designed to help day care professionals in every setting keep up to date with the latest guidelines for quality child care. Also, Stepping Stones - good source of key health and safety practices that reduce disease disability and death in child care facilities. Remember, preparation is key when going for day care licensing and the more knowledge you have the better your chances of starting your day care.

To discover more about starting a daycare, visit Child Care Only where you will find this an much more, covering all aspects of how to start a day care.