The whole path, on paper.

1. At a glance

2. Steps

1. Choose the permit type that matches your numbers. Listed covers up to 3 unrelated children. Registered covers up to 6 unrelated children plus school-age children after school. Licensed covers 7 to 12 children. The type sets your application, fee and inspection schedule.
2. Attend a child care home orientation. CCR runs orientation classes that explain the application process and the minimum standards. You receive an information packet with the supplemental forms and your local CCR contact.
3. Read Chapter 747 and write your plan of operation. The minimum standards for licensed and registered child care homes are in 26 TAC Chapter 747. A plan of operation is a key part of the application for licensed operations: it states who ensures standards are met, the physical facility, activities, ratios, safety and sanitation.
4. Create an online Child Care Regulation account. Register on the CCR provider portal and activate the account from the confirmation email. If you prefer paper, complete the application packet and send it to your local CCR office.
5. Submit the eApplication and supplemental forms. Submit the application form, plan of operation, controlling person form and background check requests. Do not pay fees until CCR contacts you with an operation number and an invoice.
6. Complete background checks before anyone provides care. Background checks may include a Central Registry check, FBI fingerprint check and sex offender registry check. They must be completed before a person provides direct care or has direct access to children, and on a recurring basis after that.
7. Complete pediatric first aid and CPR. The primary caregiver, each substitute and each assistant must have pediatric first aid with rescue breathing and choking, and pediatric CPR. For the primary caregiver this is required before the home is registered or licensed.
8. Pass the application inspection. After a complete application, CCR inspects the home against the law and minimum standards. Once the home demonstrates compliance, CCR issues an initial or full permit.
9. Keep the permit current. The annual fee is due on the anniversary of permit issuance. Keep liability insurance proof on file each year, complete 30 clock hours of training each year as the primary caregiver, and expect at least one unannounced inspection a year in a licensed home.

3. Documents to gather

• Permit application and plan of operation. Form 2910 with Form 2948 for a licensed home, or the registration or listing request form.
• Controlling person form. Form 2760 for the operation.
• Background check requests. Form 2971 for each person, plus Form 2974 if a history needs review.
• Proof of liability insurance. Required before CCR issues a permit, and proof is provided each year by the permit anniversary.
• Pediatric first aid and CPR certificates. Primary caregiver before licensing; substitutes before being counted in ratio; assistants within 90 days.
• Annual training certificates. 30 clock hours a year for the primary caregiver, documented in the personnel record.
• Floor plan or space measurements. Useful for the inspection: the home needs 30 square feet of indoor activity space per child and 80 square feet outdoors per child using the area at once.
• Liability insurance notice for parents, if uninsured. A home without liability insurance must notify parents in writing before admitting a child.

4. Fees

5. Forms index

• 2910: Application for a License or Certification to Operate a Child Day Care Facility. Core application for a licensed operation.
• 2948: Plan of Operation for Licensed Center and Home Operations. Written plan showing how the home will meet the minimum standards.
• 2760: Controlling Person. Required for every child day care operation.
• 2971: Child Care Regulation Request for Background Check. Submitted for each person who needs a check.
• 2974: Request for Risk Evaluation Based on Past Criminal History or Central Registry Findings. Used when a check returns a history that needs review.
• 2919: Request for a Registration Permit. Registered child care home application.
• 2986: Listing Permit Request. Listed family home application.

Form links: https://daycarelicense.pages.dev/states/texas/#forms

6. Contacts

7. Space and training at a glance

• Permit types: Licensed, registered or listed
• Maximum children: 12 in a licensed home
• Annual training: 30 clock hours
• Annual fee: $35 + $1 per child

Read the state page for the full rules and the exact source for each number. This sheet is a working checklist, not a substitute for the agency’s forms.

1. At a glance

2. Steps

1. Decide between a small and a large home. A small home can care for up to 6 children, or up to 8 with the school-age conditions. A large home needs an assistant provider and can reach 12, or 14 with conditions. The class sets the fee, the forms and the experience requirement.
2. Attend a family child care home orientation. Orientation is required before CDSS will accept an application. It is available online and in person. The orientation fee is $25 and is non-refundable.
3. Read the Title 22 family child care home regulations. The licensing standards are in Title 22, Division 12, Chapter 3. The orientation and the application both assume you know them. Read the sections on capacity, supervision, records and the physical environment.
4. Complete the LIC 279 application packet. The packet includes the application, current children in your home, criminal record statements, emergency care and disaster plan, child abuse reporting acknowledgement, facility sketch and the pre-licensing readiness guide.
5. Clear background checks for every adult in the home. The applicant, any adult residing in the facility, any adult who provides care, and any adult employee or volunteer with contact with children must clear a DOJ, Child Abuse Central Index and FBI check. Do not book Live Scan until you have a facility number.
6. Get TB clearances and complete the health and safety course. Every adult residing in the home needs a TB clearance not more than one year old. The licensee must complete or be enrolled in 16 hours of pediatric health and safety training: preventive health practices, pediatric CPR and pediatric first aid, from an EMSA-approved provider.
7. Document experience for a large home. A large home applicant needs at least one year as a licensed small home provider, or as an administrator, director or teacher at a licensed child care center. Keep licenses or an employer letter on letterhead.
8. Submit the packet and the non-refundable fee. Send the complete packet with the application fee. An incomplete packet is returned. The county licensing office may handle the application where the county contracts with CDSS.
9. Pass the pre-licensing home inspection. A Licensing Program Analyst contacts you to schedule an inspection of the home and outdoor space. The analyst checks the facility sketch, safety hazards, fencing, pools, pets and the overall environment.
10. Pay the annual fee and stay ready for visits. The license remains in effect until surrendered, suspended or revoked. The annual fee is due on each anniversary. Unannounced visits can happen, and every home is visited at least once every five years.

3. Documents to gather

• Proof of orientation. Certificate or confirmation from the online or in-person session.
• LIC 279 application packet. Application, current children, criminal record statements, emergency plan, abuse reporting acknowledgement and facility sketch.
• Preventive health practices certificates. 16 hours: preventive health practices, pediatric CPR and pediatric first aid, from an EMSA-approved provider.
• TB clearances. For all adults residing in the home, not more than one year old.
• Experience verification for a large home. Prior license or employer letter on company letterhead.
• Landlord notification and consent. Notify the landlord. Consent is required to care for 8 in a small home or 14 in a large home.
• Application fee. Check or money order payable to the Department of Social Services, or the county process where applicable.
• Floor plan and yard sketch. Used at the pre-licensing inspection.

4. Fees

5. Forms index

• LIC 279: Application for a Family Child Care Home License. Core application. The LIC 279A booklet contains the form list and instructions.
• LIC 279B: Current Children In Your Home. Included in the application booklet.
• LIC 508: Criminal Record Statement. One for every adult living in the home.
• LIC 610A: Emergency Care and Disaster Plan. Included in the application booklet.
• LIC 9108: Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Suspected Child Abuse. Signed copy goes in the application packet.
• LIC 999A: Facility Sketch, Floor Plan and Yard. Shows the home and outdoor space used for care.
• LIC 9217: Pre-Licensing Readiness Guide, Family Child Care Home. Complete after the home meets the listed requirements; the analyst then schedules the visit.
• LIC 9151: Property Owner or Landlord Notification. Keep in your file, do not send to licensing. Consent (LIC 9149) is needed to expand to 8 or 14.

Form links: https://daycarelicense.pages.dev/states/california/#forms

6. Contacts

7. Space and training at a glance

• License classes: Small up to 8, large up to 14
• Pre-service training: 16 hours
• Application fee: $73 for 1 to 8 children
• Annual fee: $73 or $140

Read the state page for the full rules and the exact source for each number. This sheet is a working checklist, not a substitute for the agency’s forms.

1. At a glance

2. Steps

1. Check your county first. Registration is not permitted in Brevard, Broward, Clay, Duval, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Miami-Dade, Nassau, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota or Saint Johns. Those counties require a licence. Broward, Palm Beach, Pinellas and Sarasota license through their own agencies.
2. Choose registration or licensure. Registration is the annual state path where the county allows it. A licence is required where the county has an ordinance, and some homes choose it voluntarily to show they meet the state’s minimum health and safety standards.
3. Complete 35 hours of training before care begins. The 30-hour family day care home course covers rules and regulations, health safety and nutrition, child abuse and neglect, child growth and development, and behavioral observation and screening. Add the approved 5-hour early literacy course for children birth to five. All 35 hours must be complete before registration.
4. Complete level 2 background screening. Operators and child care personnel complete level 2 screening under chapter 435, including fingerprints, criminal history, sex offender registries and child abuse registries. Household members over 12 are screened; those 12 to 18 are checked for delinquency records but not fingerprinted.
5. Get pediatric CPR and first aid certification. The operator and staff must hold current pediatric CPR and first aid certification. Keep the cards with the home’s records.
6. Assemble the registration documents. Registered homes provide the operator name, number of children, a written substitute plan, screening proof, current immunization records, the health and safety checklist given to parents, and training proof.
7. Submit the intent to apply or the licence application. New registered providers complete the Intent to Apply form and send the renewal-style packet with the fee. Licensed providers apply through the CARES online system or their county licensing office.
8. Pay the annual fee. The state fee is $25 for a registered home, $50 for a licensed family child care home and $60 for a large family child care home. A county licensing agency may charge its own fee.
9. Renew every year and keep training current. Registration and licensure are annual. Operators complete 10 clock hours or one CEU of in-service training each 12-month licensing period, and the early literacy course counts once toward that total.

3. Documents to gather

• 35-hour training certificates. 30-hour family day care home course plus the 5-hour early literacy course.
• Level 2 screening results. For the operator, staff and applicable household members.
• Written substitute plan. Names at least one competent adult who can cover in an emergency.
• Current immunization records. Kept current for the children in care.
• Health and Safety Checklist for parents. CF-FSP 5274, provided to each parent.
• Pediatric CPR and first aid cards. Current for the operator and staff.
• Zoning, building code and HOA attestation. Part of the renewal packet.
• Annual fee. $25 registered, $50 licensed, $60 large home, or the county fee where applicable.

4. Fees

5. Forms index

• CF-FSP 5274: Health and Safety Checklist. Given to every parent; a copy is part of the registration packet.
• Intent to Apply: Intent to Apply, Registered Family Day Care Home. Online form linked from the registration page.
• Renewal packet: Family Day Care Home Registration Renewal. Renewal form, plus the application checklist and supporting documents.
• Attestation: Attestation of Good Moral Character. Part of the registration renewal packet.
• Children list: List of Children in Care. Part of the registration renewal packet.
• Zoning: Zoning, Building Code and HOA Attestation. Confirms the home meets local land use rules.
• Juvenile records: Online Juvenile Records Check. For household members 12 to 18.

Form links: https://daycarelicense.pages.dev/states/florida/#forms

6. Contacts

7. Space and training at a glance

• Path: Registered or licensed
• Pre-service training: 35 hours
• Registered fee: $25 a year
• Licensed fee: $50 a year

Read the state page for the full rules and the exact source for each number. This sheet is a working checklist, not a substitute for the agency’s forms.

1. At a glance

2. Steps

1. Confirm the care will happen in your own home. A day care home license is issued only for the home where you and your family live. You cannot use a rented second home, an unattached garage or an outbuilding. Care away from your residence needs a centre license.
2. Complete the free online licensing orientation. The department runs a free online orientation for home applicants. It explains the licensing process and helps you decide whether you meet the requirements before you spend money on medicals or home changes.
3. Complete 15 hours of pre-service training. The 15 hours must be completed within one year before the application date and cover the topics in Appendix D of Rule 406. If you will care for infants, the hours must include SIDS, SUID, safe sleep and shaken baby syndrome. Mandated reporter training is required for all applicants.
4. Gather the medical and home documents. Prepare a medical examination including TB, DPT and MMR; proof of high school diploma or equivalent; an affidavit that child support is current; Gateways Registry membership; radon testing within three years; and lead testing and a mitigation plan where required.
5. Complete background checks for the household. Everyone aged 13 and older living or working in the home is checked. Adults 18 and over are fingerprinted and receive a full check: Illinois State Police, FBI, state and national sex offender registries, the DCFS child abuse registry and any other state’s registry. There is no charge for the check.
6. Submit the CFS 597 application to your local office. Call the local licensing office before applying. The office provides the current packet, reviews your plans and takes the application. The license itself has no fee.
7. Pass the home visit. Once the application is complete and the background results are in, a licensing representative visits. The walk-through checks Rule 406, notes hazards, sets capacity, defines the areas used for care and explains the records you must keep.
8. Receive the three-year license. A day care home license is valid for three years unless revoked. The licensed capacity and the ages of children allowed are printed on the license, which must be displayed in the home.
9. Keep the annual training and visits current. Complete 15 clock hours of in-service training per licensing year and expect annual unannounced visits from IDEC. Up to 5 excess hours can carry into the next year.
10. Apply to renew six months before expiry. A renewal application is due at least six months before the license expires. If the application is timely, the existing license continues in full force while the renewal is processed.

3. Documents to gather

• CFS 597 application. Signed and dated, submitted to the local licensing office.
• Pre-service training certificates. 15 hours within one year before application, plus mandated reporter and infant topics where relevant.
• Medical examination. Including TB, DPT and MMR.
• High school diploma or equivalent. Or a degree from an accredited university or vocational school.
• Gateways Registry membership. Credentials and training entered in the registry.
• Child support affidavit. Confirms child support is current.
• Radon test within three years. Required for an initial application from 2014 onward.
• Lead testing and mitigation plan. Required where the rule applies.
• Background check requests. For everyone 13 and over; fingerprints for adults 18 and over.

4. Fees

5. Forms index

• CFS 597: Application for Child Care Facility License. Core application. Submit through the local IDEC licensing office.
• Rule 406: Licensing Standards for Day Care Homes. The standards the home visit is measured against, including Appendix D training topics.
• IDEC: Child Care Licensure rules and monitoring. Current agency page for licensing, background checks and annual visits.
• DCFS forms: Commonly Used Provider Forms. Form library still linked from the licensing process page.

Form links: https://daycarelicense.pages.dev/states/illinois/#forms

6. Contacts

7. Space and training at a glance

• License fee: $0
• License term: 3 years
• Pre-service training: 15 hours
• Indoor space: 35 sq ft per child

Read the state page for the full rules and the exact source for each number. This sheet is a working checklist, not a substitute for the agency’s forms.

1. At a glance

2. Steps

1. Complete the FCCLH licensing orientation. Orientation is required for every family child care learning home applicant. Register through the Georgia Professional Development System, open OLLI Trainings and search for Family Child Care Learning Home Orientation.
2. Complete 10 hours of pre-service training. The pre-service course requires 2 hours in each of five topic areas, for a minimum of 10 hours, plus in-person infant and child CPR and first aid. All training must be complete before the application is submitted.
3. Meet the education requirement, or request a variance. Applicants need a Child Development Associate credential, a Technical Certificate of Credit in early childhood education, or a Technical College Diploma in early childhood education. Without one, request a variance with the application, enrol within six months of licensure and finish within two years.
4. Create a DECAL KOALA account. All applications go through KOALA. Email and fax submissions are not accepted. Create the account before starting the application so you can upload documents as you gather them.
5. Upload the home and zoning documents. Prepare proof of home occupancy (deed, mortgage or lease), HOA approval or landlord authorization where applicable, a completed criminal record check acknowledgement, zoning approval dated within 12 months, a floor plan, a notarized affidavit of lawful presence, fire safety documentation, and water and sewer documentation.
6. Complete fingerprint and records checks. The provider and every adult aged 17 or older who lives in the home or is present during care must be fingerprinted through Bright from the Start. A satisfactory comprehensive records check is required before the person is present with children.
7. Submit the application and wait for review. Submit the online application with every required document. DECAL’s published minimum processing time for a family child care learning home is 45 days after the application is received, screened and acknowledged.
8. Pass the on-site licensing inspection. After the application is complete, a consultant reviews the licensing prep checklist and schedules an on-site inspection against the rules. If the home passes, a final license is granted.
9. Pay the $50 annual license fee. The non-refundable fee is not accepted until the final license is granted at the initial visit. Pay through KOALA within 30 days of the final license. The license is then emailed and must be printed and posted.
10. Complete annual training and renew by 1 December. After the first year, complete 10 clock hours of training each calendar year. Pay the annual fee by 1 December. All current licenses expire on 31 December.

3. Documents to gather

• Orientation completion. FCCLH Licensing Orientation through GaPDS.
• Pre-service training certificates. 10 hours across the five areas, plus infant and child CPR and first aid.
• Education credential or variance. CDA, TCC or TCD, or the approved variance request.
• Proof of home occupancy. Deed, mortgage statement or lease, plus HOA or landlord authorization where applicable.
• Zoning approval. Dated within the last 12 months by the local agency.
• Floor plan. Shows the areas used for care.
• Notarized affidavit of lawful presence. With a front and back copy of the verification document.
• Fire safety documentation. Fire marshal inspection or certificate of occupancy where applicable.
• Water and sewer documentation. Current water bill; septic inspection or well water report within 12 months where applicable.
• Fingerprint and records check. For every adult 17 and older in the home or present during care.

4. Fees

5. Forms index

• KOALA: DECAL KOALA application portal. The only accepted channel for an FCCLH application.
• Applicant guide: Family Child Care Learning Home Applicant Guide. Step-by-step guide, document list and forms to post in the home.
• Pre-service: FCCLH Five Training Areas. Defines the five pre-service topic areas.
• Fingerprints: Criminal Records Check Livescan Fingerprint Instructions. How to register for fingerprint processing.
• Policies: FCCLH Policies and Procedures Guide Sample. Sample policies to adapt for the home, listed on the DECAL form page.

Form links: https://daycarelicense.pages.dev/states/georgia/#forms

6. Contacts

7. Space and training at a glance

• Children: 3 to 6 unrelated
• Pre-service training: 10 hours
• License fee: $50 a year
• Indoor space: 35 sq ft per child

Read the state page for the full rules and the exact source for each number. This sheet is a working checklist, not a substitute for the agency’s forms.