The state of Minnesota, for example, distinguishes between licensing and registration for day care providers. Even if the provider is only caring for children from one family, they may then need to be registered with the state. If they are going to care for children from two families or more, then they need to become licensed. There are many requirements to be fulfilled before a license will be granted. Among the requirements, the potential provider must have an F.B.I. background check.
Officials also come in and physically check the home for fire safety, etc.
In addition, the state of Minnesota requires a caregiver to become registered or licensed to operate any child care business. While requirements do vary from state to state, remember, the mere fact that a provider is registered with the state does not automatically guarantee that your child will receive quality care. Unfortunately, registration, licensing, or certification is not always a guarantee that the provider has no past history of abuse or misconduct. Many states only check for convictions of felonies and child abuse within THAT state. In other words, a provider could have been convicted of child abuse in five different states over the past six years and still become registered, because the licensing agency only checks within the state.