About 300 people provide regulated child care in their homes. Any person providing child care in their home may apply to be registered. Those serving more than five children are required to register. Please use the Child Care Provider Portal by clicking either requirements or application & renewal for additional information.
General Information
Any person providing child care in their home can apply to be registered. Those serving more than 5 children are required to register.
- All Child Development Homes must have a pre-inspection prior to approval of a registration. Click pre-inspection minimum requirements for additional information.
- The Department will visit all child development homes at least once per fiscal year.
- There are 3 categories of child development homes, with an increase in requirements and allowances for numbers in care with each category.
- Child Development Homes must reapply for registration every two years. Child Development Homes must meet requirements in the following areas (but are not limited to):
- Number of children allowed in care
- Health and Safety standards
- Activity Program
- Parental Access
- Discipline
- Meals
- File Maintenance for children and staff
- Professional Development
More details about Child Development Home regulatory requirements and a regulatory checklist can be found in the Child Development Home Registration Guidelines document.
A child development home provider may also apply for a Child Care Assistance Provider Agreement with DHS. This allows these programs to care for children that qualify for public assistance with child care costs.