There is a great need for licensed care in our community, especially for infants and toddlers.

We can help you understand and complete State licensing requirements, as well as help you cover some of the costs to open your home child care facility.

Obtaining a license if not difficult, but operating an quality, caring child care home and enjoying it is not easy.

Most of the problems that could come up in providing child care in your own home can be solved with some thought and planning of time. But before you decide to care for children, be sure it is right for you.

• Are you in good physical and emotional health?

• Do you have the physical and emotional ability to care for children all day?

• Attachments to children are inevitable; can you let go?

• Is working with a group of young children throughout the day, rather than interacting with adults, something you would enjoy?

• Can you give children the affection, security and protection they need while recognizing you are not their parent?

• Can you give children the care and attention they need, without feeling you are depriving your own children?

• Your daily schedule will revolve around the children. Are you comfortable spending the bulk of your days in your home, and scheduling errands and other personal activities at times when you are not care for children?

• Is this a good fit for your family?

• How do the other adults in the home feel about sharing your home with others? Do they support children being present, including when they are home?

• Is your own family life secure and free from emotional stresses that would make a child feel unwelcome?

• How will your own children feel about sharing their rooms, toys and you with others? If they become jealous will you be able to help them with their feelings?

• Sometimes children of working parents have problems adjusting to being separated from their parents. Will you be able to help them adjust?

• Can you remain calm and in control if there are emergencies or accidents?

• Are you willing to rearrange your home and furniture to provide appropriate space and materials for children in your care?

• Will income from a child care business be enough to meet your family’s needs? Even if you are not always full?

• How long do you plan on providing child care? Young children need consistent care to feel secure and loved. Getting used to new caregivers takes time and energy.

Learn about broad child care licensing requirements, as well as types of child care licenses. CCECC will help you every step of the licensing process!

Becoming a professional family child care provider involves much more than “babysitting” for pay.

It involves making a commitment to a career of providing care and education for the most valuable resource there is: our children.

The ethical and legal responsibilities to the children, to their families, to your family, and to yourself are considerable.

In order to make this professional commitment, you must consider the following:

• Determine whether you have a natural aptitude for this type of work.

• Prepare your family for the new business you are undertaking.

• Determine which license type fits you and you are eligible to apply for.

• Receive the necessary training required for licensing, including pre-licensing, first aid and CPR, Medication Administration and Universal Precautions.

• Prepare your home according to licensing regulations.

• Apply for your license and check for any zoning regulations.

• Maintain required on-going training and workshops offered by professional organizations.

We provide guidance and support for those interested in becoming licensed child care providers.

Here is a description of the support CCECC provides:

• Initial phone call with CCECC Director to discuss interest and to determine a time to meet potential home provider at their home. Answer initial questions. Determine whether they are in an HOA, a renter, or a homeowner to identify and address potential barriers.

• CCECC staff has an initial meeting with potential providers at their homes. Share and discuss handouts in the Licensed Care packet (types of licenses, fit, classes needed). The Director introduces potential providers to CCECC programs and supports, the Colorado Professional Information System (PDIS), and Colorado Shines, and encourages CCCAP participation.

• CCECC staff adds potential providers to the CCECC email list promoting Council meetings, resources, classes, and research.

• CCECC staff sets up meetings between potential providers and licensed home provider mentors to answer questions and to observe and learn about family home childcare.

• CCECC staff identifies pre-licensing classes available and works with the potential provider to complete classes, including paying for classes and travel expenses as needed.

• CCECC Quality Improvement Navigator (QIN) arranges site visits with Children First coach to provide guidance for setting up quality home childcare.

• CCECC provides the application packet and answers questions as needed.

• After the application is submitted, CCECC QIN arranges a visit with potential providers to register in PDIS and engage in Colorado Shines. CCECC pays all application costs, including submission and fingerprinting.

• CCECC staff encourages participation in CCCAP and refers potential providers to the CCCAP Coordinator.

• When a provider is approved, CCECC staff work to integrate them into Chaffee’s Early Childhood System.