How you become a child care provider depends on your location and intent. For example, an employee at an established after-school center can become a child care provider after passing a child first aid class and becoming a Mandatory Reporter of Child Abuse and Neglect.
To open a child care center, you’ll need to pass your state licensing exam and secure a physical location. The following steps can help you start this process:
Obtain the proper education. Most states require a minimum of a high school diploma or GED, but you can smooth the transition with a teaching certification or additional higher learning.
Research your state’s licensing requirements. You must obtain a license before becoming a child care provider. These requirements vary depending on your location, but most states require a clean background check, relevant first aid training and proof of intent.
Start your application. Make copies of your completed requirements as you acquire them. Save them to your application so you can track what tasks remain.