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If you’re wondering what certifications you need to open a daycare, you’re not alone. Whether you plan to run a small in-home daycare or launch a licensed childcare center, every state requires specific credentials to ensure safety, quality, and legal compliance. From licensing and training to staff background checks and early childhood education requirements, understanding the full scope of daycare certifications is the first step toward opening your doors with confidence.
This article outlines some of the general requirements to open a childcare program including resources to find specific licensing requirements in your state, as well as provider, facility, and capacity requirements.
What certifications do I need to open a daycare?
Opening a daycare center is an exciting and rewarding venture, but it requires careful planning and adherence to specific requirements. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or passionate about providing quality child care, understanding the necessary steps and regulations is crucial.
Childcare licensing requirements
Most states require childcare businesses to obtain a license prior to operating. This process will typically involve attending an orientation or training session to learn more about your state’s rules and regulations, submitting an application, paying a fee, and completing an onsite inspection or visit to ensure your center meets all the requirements.
Childcare Licensing and Compliance Checklist
Download this free checklist to simplify the childcare licensing process.
The licensing requirements for home-based and center-based childcare programs also typically vary from state to state. Center-based childcare programs provide childcare services in a facility outside of the provider's home, while home-based programs provide child care in a provider's residence.
Starting a daycare business will look different based on your location, but there are some general guidelines to get you started:
- Determine the type of program you want to start. This can be center-based or home-based.
- Find your local Child Care Resource & Referral Agency (CCR&R). These agencies will provide you with the support and resources you need before, during, and after the licensing process.
- Find your local childcare licensing office.
- Do a self-assessment to determine if opening and operating a childcare business is right for you.
- Learn about your community needs. This is an important first step when starting your business plan.
In some states, certain childcare arrangements do not require a childcare license. For instance, in California, if you are providing care for your children or those of a relative, and children from only one other family, then you are legally exempt from licensure requirements.
Provider requirements
When applying for a childcare license, most states will list provider requirements that childcare center directors must meet in order to obtain a license. Some states require childcare center directors to have a degree in child development, social work, education, or a related field. Other states may require a minimum of a high school diploma or general educational development (GED) certificate or the completion of relevant coursework from an accredited college.
Depending on the type of childcare program, states will typically also have provider age requirements (e.g. must be at least 18 years old) and require directors and teachers to have a minimum number of years of teaching experience to qualify for licensure. Even if your state doesn’t require a degree in child development, many families prefer to send their children to childcare centers with highly trained and educated workers, so a relevant degree can be used to signal your qualifications to prospective families or help you advance in your career.
It’s also imperative for all teachers and staff members to have the proper credentials, training, and degrees. Educational certifications can also help reassure prospective families that your daycare center staff will provide optimal childcare services.
As part of the licensing process, providers and all staff members will also need to pass a background check.
Capacity requirements
Low child-to-staff ratios and small group sizes ensure that children will receive adequate one-on-one attention to meet their specific needs. Responsive caregiving is critical to every child's social and emotional development, physical health, and overall learning.
This one-on-one attention makes children feel safe and secure while reducing overwhelming feelings in both children and staff members. It’s easier to manage smaller groups, especially with enough trained staff present. Children will also be less likely to get injured or hurt because staff can better monitor and respond to a smaller group.
Most states require a certain number of teachers or adults in the classroom for a certain number of children. The child-to-staff ratio also varies depending on the age of the children.
The following are general recommendations for appropriate child-to-adult ratios:
- Infants (under 12 months): One trained adult for every three to four infants
- Young toddlers (1 to 2 years): One trained adult for every three to six young toddlers
- Older toddlers (2 to 3 years): One trained adult for every four to six older toddlers
- Preschoolers (3 to 5 years): One trained adult for every six to ten preschoolers
Review your state's specific requirements for child-to-staff ratios and group sizes.
Health and safety requirements
As a childcare provider, you’re not just responsible for helping children reach developmental milestones, you also need to provide a safe and clean learning environment. Childcare centers must meet and adhere to state health and safety rules at all times.
As part of the licensing process, most states will require your center to have an emergency plan that outlines your policies and procedures in case of an emergency. Most states will also require staff members to have cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid certifications. Many organizations including the American Red Cross, local hospitals, fire departments, community health centers, or community colleges often offer these trainings and certifications at low or no cost. Some states also require additional health and safety training that your staff must take on a regular basis to stay compliant with state regulations.
If your childcare center serves meals and snacks, you may be required to receive mandatory food safety training. Programs that receive funding from the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) must meet specific guidelines and follow nutritional standards.
Some states also require childcare providers to follow specific record keeping policies such as tracking staff training hours, child immunization records, and meals. A tool like brightwheel’s center management feature simplifies administrative tasks and streamlines your record keeping and reporting, saving you time and allowing you to manage your program efficiently.
I would say that if you are a new program that you should definitely jump on brightwheel and just experience it. It’s tools that help make your life easier as the owner and director. There’s no reason not to, with the cost and the effectiveness, it’s 100% a yes for me.” Crystal D., Owner & Director at Lil’ Ranch Hands Family Childcare Home in Minco, OK
As I build my new program, the billing features are a game changer. I can easily invoice parents, and everything is automatically tracked—especially helpful come tax season.” Emily K., Owner of Emily Finzen Childcare in Lake Benton, MN
Experience Curriculum allows you to lean into creativity while following the curriculum. It’s all right there, it’s all prepared for you, and then you can lean into it.” Leinani G., Owner of Creative Minds Learning Academy in Bothell, WA
Brightwheel helps us in every way possible. From their onboarding and support team to the features that keep us organized, on track with planning, and communicating smoothly as a team to parents and each other. I couldn't imagine a better management system for our program." Harida H., Administrator at Play Pals Daycare in Maumee, OH
Facility requirements
Facility requirements such as required indoor space, gated outdoor areas, sufficient lighting and ventilation, and heating and air conditioning, are some of the things that states will require when opening a childcare center. Most states require that childcare centers have plenty of space for children to play and explore safely. Although exact square footage requirements may differ from state to state, most childcare centers are mandated to have a specific number of square feet per child.
For example, in Florida, each child must have at least 35 square feet of usable floor space. This includes the classroom, play area, work area, and nap area. In addition, each child must have a minimum of 45 square feet of usable outdoor space. Most states will also require that outdoor spaces are secured with a fence or gate and include age appropriate play equipment.
What certifications do I need to open an in-home childcare program?
Home-based childcare providers, or those programs that provide childcare services in the caregiver’s own home, must also meet state specific requirements in order to operate a childcare program at home. Similar to center-based programs, home-based programs will often have to meet provider, facility, and capacity requirements in order to obtain a license from the state.
Licensing requirements
Each state has its own specific licensing requirements for in-home childcare facilities. It's also worth noting that different states have different terms for home daycare centers. They are often known as family childcare homes in many states. While many states require home-based daycare businesses to obtain licenses to provide daycare, in California, if you plan to care for a relative's children or children from one other family in addition to your own, a license is not required.
A family childcare home license is required to ensure that some aspects of childcare are held to certain standards. For example, these licenses may regulate the facility's security, the number of children you can admit, immunization requirements, health and safety standards, child supervision expectations, and staff training.
Although each state has its own licensing process, there are some general steps you can expect when applying for a childcare license:
- Register for and attend your state's childcare provider orientation.
- Learn your state’s licensing laws and regulations.
- Complete and submit an application.
- Prepare for an onsite pre-licensing inspection.
Some states' licensing application process can be completed quickly through an online portal, however it may take several months to receive final approval. Your local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency (CCR&R) can provide resources before, during, and after this process.
Provider requirements
Each state has its own age, education, and training requirements that providers must meet before opening a home-based daycare business. In most states, home-based daycare owners must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, relevant childcare or teaching experience, and college credit in a field related to childcare or education.
For example, in Pennsylvania, home-based daycare providers must have a high school diploma or GED, and a combination of credit hours from an accredited college or university in an early childhood education field, secondary training, or years of experience working with children.
Facility and capacity requirements
The facility capacity requirements for home-based daycare centers vary from state to state. Many states categorize home-based daycare centers as either family or group childcare homes. Family childcare homes are usually licensed to care for fewer children than group childcare homes. A home-based daycare provider's own children are often excluded from a facility's staff-to-child ratio and group size requirements.
Zoning may also be critical depending on where you live. A potential home-based daycare owner sometimes needs special permission to run a business out of a private residence. For example, if you are a renter, you may need written permission from the property owner to run a daycare out of the home. In addition, some jurisdictions may require a daycare business owner to obtain special approval to run a business in a residential area. Individuals may contact the local zoning board to determine whether they need special support.
Like center-based programs, home-based programs must also follow facility requirements set by the state to ensure you are providing a safe and clean environment for children. These standards generally include guidelines around the physical indoor and outdoor space, and health and safety requirements such as emergency and sanitation procedures.
Insurance
Another requirement for obtaining your license may include obtaining insurance for your business. For example, to operate a daycare center in some states, you must obtain general liability insurance before getting licensed.
Daycare businesses can be protected by various insurance policies, including general liability insurance, homeowners insurance, errors and omissions insurance, commercial auto liability insurance, and abuse and molestation liability insurance. Not all homeowners insurance policies cover home daycare liabilities so it’s important to do careful research and choose the policies that will meet your business needs and protect you, your business, and your employees.
Learn more about daycare licensing regulations in your state
Daycare licensing requirements vary by state. Consult with your state's childcare licensing department or check out our guides below for more information:
Conclusion
Before applying for a daycare license, it's important to make sure that you, your staff, and your center meet the licensing requirements for your state. With careful research and preparation using the many resources available to potential childcare providers, you can navigate the licensing process and focus on the next stage of your business.
As you consider childcare management software for your new venture, keep in mind that brightwheel is here to help. Designed for new childcare programs, our software offers intuitive features that streamline operations, enhance communication, and facilitate your program's growth from the outset. Whether you are about to apply for your license or are preparing to welcome your first group of children, you can begin organizing your operations with brightwheel before opening. Discover how brightwheel can support your new program.
FAQ: What certifications do I need to open a daycare?
What certifications are required to open a daycare in my state?
Certification requirements to open a daycare vary by state, but most require a combination of a childcare license, health and safety training, and staff background checks. To find out what certifications you need to open a daycare in your state, check with your local childcare licensing agency or department of health and human services.
Do I need CPR and first aid certifications to open a daycare?
Yes. Most states require CPR and first aid certifications, specifically focused on pediatric care. These certifications are typically mandatory for all staff who supervise children and are often part of the basic licensing requirements when opening a daycare.
What educational credentials are required to open a daycare?
Educational requirements depend on your state and the type of daycare you plan to operate. Many states require at least a high school diploma or GED, while others may expect you or your staff to have completed early childhood education (ECE) coursework or hold a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Director-level roles often require associate or bachelor's degrees in education or related fields.
Are there certification exceptions if I only care for relatives?
In many states, informal care provided exclusively to relatives or a small number of children may be exempt from some certification or licensing rules. However, these exceptions vary, and you should always verify with your state’s childcare regulatory agency to ensure compliance.
Do I need a license to run a home daycare?
In most states, you need a family childcare home license to operate a daycare from your home—especially if you care for more than a few children who aren’t related to you. The license process usually includes training, inspections, background checks, and other certifications.
What training is required to open a daycare?
In addition to CPR and first aid, most states require training in areas like child abuse prevention, safe sleep practices, emergency preparedness, and nutrition. Some states also mandate annual continuing education hours for daycare providers and staff.
Can I open a daycare without prior experience?
Yes, but you’ll still need to meet all state-mandated certifications and training requirements. Even without prior childcare experience, completing the necessary certifications (like licensing, CPR/first aid, and early childhood education courses) will qualify you to open a daycare legally and responsibly.
Brightwheel is the complete solution for early education providers, enabling you to streamline your center’s operations and build a stand-out reputation. Brightwheel connects the most critical aspects of running your center—including sign in and out, parent communications, tuition billing, and licensing and compliance—in one easy-to-use tool, along with providing best-in-class customer support and coaching. Brightwheel is trusted by thousands of early education centers and millions of parents. Learn more at mybrightwheel.com.
