The Licensing Process for Home-based Care

The license issued to the home child care agency will be posted in a place where parents and others can see it. A regular license indicates that all requirements of the Day Nurseries Act were being met at the time of inspection. A provisional license means that there were outstanding requirements at the time of inspection. If a provisional license is posted, it is appropriate to ask the director of the agency about the status of the outstanding items.

Home child care agencies must describe in writing what they expect to happen in the homes of the caregivers. A written statement of program philosophy is also required along with written policies and procedures. The inspection visit will review these documents as well as the agency's home visitor qualifications, provider recruitment and screening procedures.

The licensing process ensures that the minimum standards of the Day Nurseries regulations are met at the time of the inspection, but parents will want to ask questions of the agency director, home visitor and potential caregiver before making a final decision. You are urged to review How to Choose Child Care for assistance in selecting care which meets your child's needs and your expectations.