| License type | Small family child care home |
| Regulating agency | Pennsylvania Department of Human Services — Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) |
| Regulatory code | 55 Pa. Code Chapter 3270 (Child Care Centers) & Chapter 3280 |
| Typical maximum capacity | Up to 6–8 children (verify with PA DHS) |
| Provider credential | No Director Permit required in most states; background check + pre-licensing orientation required |
| CPR/First Aid | Required — must be current before license issued |
| Annual training | Continuing education required (hours vary by state) |
| Setting | Provider’s own private residence |
Pennsylvania small family child care home: Capacity rules
Small family child care homes in Pennsylvania use a capacity model rather than a traditional staff-to-child ratio. The licensed capacity is set under 55 Pa. Code Chapter 3270 (Child Care Centers) & Chapter 3280 and depends on the ages of children and whether the provider is alone or has an assistant present.
Small family child care homes operate on a capacity model, not a staff-to-child ratio model. The provider is the caregiver — no assistant is required. For programs caring for a larger group, see the Pennsylvania large family child care home requirements.
| Capacity scenario | Staffing required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 6 children | Provider alone | Typical base capacity; verify with PA DHS for infant limits |
| 7–8 children | Provider alone (if criteria met) | Additional criteria may apply (age mix, infant limits); verify with Pennsylvania Department of Human Services |
| Provider’s own children | Counted in total | Own children under specified age who are home during care hours typically count toward capacity |
Pennsylvania small family child care home: Credential & training requirements
Provider / Licensee requirements
To operate a small family child care home in Pennsylvania, the provider must be at least 18 years old, pass a criminal background check (fingerprinting), and complete a pre-licensing health and safety orientation approved by Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. A formal ECE degree or director permit is generally not required for small family homes in most states.
CPR and first aid
Current CPR and pediatric first aid certification is required before the license is issued and must be kept current throughout the licensing period. Some states require household members or substitutes to also hold CPR certification.
Annual training requirements
After licensure, providers in Pennsylvania must complete continuing education hours annually as required by Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. Training topics typically include child development, health and safety, and first aid. Contact PA DHS for the current annual training requirement.
Pennsylvania small family child care home: Facility requirements
The following physical environment standards apply to small family child care homes in Pennsylvania under 55 Pa. Code Chapter 3270 (Child Care Centers) & Chapter 3280.
| Setting | Must be the provider’s primary residence; not a commercial building |
| Home inspection | PA DHS licensing analyst inspects the home before license issuance — checks for safety hazards, fencing, safe sleeping areas, and emergency exits |
| Outdoor space | Fenced outdoor play area required; equipment must be age-appropriate and in good repair |
| Sleeping arrangements | Safe sleep practices required; appropriate sleep surfaces for infants; no shared sleep surfaces |
| Zoning | Check with your local city/county — some jurisdictions require a home business permit or conditional use permit for a family child care home |
How to get a small family child care home license in Pennsylvania
The small family child care home licensing process in Pennsylvania is administered by Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. Follow these general steps:
- Contact Pennsylvania Department of Human Services — Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) to request a small family child care home application packet.
- Complete the application forms including disclosure of all adults (18+) residing in the home, who must submit fingerprints for background checks.
- Complete the required pre-licensing health and safety orientation.
- Obtain current CPR and pediatric first aid certification for the provider.
- Schedule and pass the pre-licensing home inspection by a PA DHS licensing analyst.
- Obtain any required local permits (zoning, fire, or home business permit) from your city or county.
- Receive your small family child care home license from Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.
Licensing contact: Pennsylvania Department of Human Services — Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL).
Official resource: https://pa.gov/agencies/dhs/resources/for-providers/child-care-for-providers/child-care-regulations
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Frequently asked questions: Pennsylvania small family child care home licensing
Sources & references
This page was compiled from official government sources. Always verify current requirements directly with Pennsylvania Department of Human Services before making licensing or compliance decisions.
- Pennsylvania Department of Human Services — family child care home licensing
- ACF Licensing Regulations Database — Pennsylvania
Also in this guide: Pennsylvania Childcare Center Requirements, Pennsylvania Large Family Child Care Home Requirements, Pennsylvania Preschool Requirements