The Home Daycare Process

• 1). Know the regulations and requirements. The Ontario Day Nurseries Act regulates home child care. There are a number of regulations governing the number of children in each age group that can be cared for in a home day care business. For example, a home child care provider may care for only two children under two years of age. What foods and meals are provided and how children's behavior is managed is also strictly governed. It is important to thoroughly understand all of the guidelines governing home care. It is necessary to obtain liability insurance to guard against financial responsibility if a child is accidentally injured.
  
  
• 2). Apply for a license. Submit the application form to the local Regional Office of the Ministry of Children and Youth Services. The fee for a new license is $15.
  
  
• 3). Organize the area where care will be provided. An initial site inspection will be carried out to determine if the home is appropriate for a day care. Thorough floor plans are a necessary part of the application process. Furthermore, the child care provider will be responsible for cooking, cleaning, playtime and naptime. It is important the home is safe and comfortable, appropriate for the developmental stages of the children and easily manageable for the provider.
  
  
• 4). Become educated in any areas of concern. Training is available in all aspects of the business of home child care. Courses can be taken specifically on tax information and how to care for children of various age groups. A course in home based child care will offer well-rounded education for a prospective home day care provider .