What are the Licensing Requirements of Running In-Home Childcare in Ohio?

You love working with kids and are bursting with excitement to open your heart and your door as an in-home childcare provider. While getting started may sound as simple as washing off a few toys and placing a couple of advertisements, there is actually a lot of careful planning and preparation that needs to take place before you officially open for business. 

Each state has its own specific laws when it comes to opening and operating in-home childcare, and it’s very important that you acknowledge and understand what those laws are. You’ll complete all required items on the list and will be in full compliance with the law before you accept your first childcare clients.

When do in-home childcare providers need a license?

Type A homes that include seven to twelve children (or four to twelve children if four of those children are ages two and under) who are cared for in the provider’s personal residence

Type B homes that include one to six children cared for in the provider’s residence. No more than three of the children can be under the age of two. This includes the childcare provider’s own children under the age of six and they must be included in the total count. While anyone can operate a type B home without a license, care for more than six children requires a license.

When is a License not Required?

· If care is provided in the child’s own home.

· Programs which operate two weeks or less a year.

· If parents remain on the premises.

· Specialized training in specific subjects, such as art, drama, dance, etc.

· Programs which operate one day a week for no more than six hours.

Licensing and Inspection

Ohio’s childcare centers must be inspected prior to receiving a license, and after the license has been issued, once a year for part-time childcare centers; twice a year for full time centers, to be sure they continue to be in compliance with the licensing requirements.

Any childcare, including in-home childcare, will be investigated in response to any complaints. Childcare providers must post their license in an obvious place where parents can see it. They must also post a copy of the inspection report in plain sight for the parents to view.

Education

Opening an in-home childcare business can be both exhilarating and overwhelming, especially if you don’t have any prior experience with running your own business. If you want parents to truly take you seriously as a highly skilled and knowledgeable childcare educator, then you should strongly consider earning a degree in Early Childhood Education. An early childhood education program will give you the skills you need to provide a nurturing, educational atmosphere for your clients.

The ECE program at Athena will give you the skills and the confidence you need to run a successful in-home childcare business. Contact us today to schedule a campus tour and learn about our accredited programs.