Hamilton County Job and Family Services (HCJFS) is responsible for recommending applicants for licensure and inspecting homes for ongoing compliance with licensure rules.

Type A Providers may care for up to twelve children.  Type B Providers may care for up to six children (regardless of relation), of which only three may be under 2 years old. HCJFS staff complete the initial and subsequent inspections of the provider’s home. Agency staff may also visit the home to ensure compliance or to investigate a complaint.

All licensed family child care providers must meet the following basic criteria:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have a high school diploma or GED (Type B only)
  • Meet training or education requirements outlined by rule
  • Reside in the home where the care is being provided
  • Pass a criminal background check and Children’s Services clearing (for more information on this requirement, please click here)
  • Obtain and maintain certification in CPR and First Aid
  • Have a working phone and access to the internet/email
  • Have twelve months experience caring for children or 30 hours of approved training
  • Be able to provide a safe, healthy environment for children

Additional rules for family child care will be discussed prior to licensure. Family child care regulations cover the following topics:

  • Indoor space, programming and equipment
  • Training requirements
  • Outdoor play
  • Napping and overnight arrangements
  • Safety and supervision of children
  • Transportation
  • Behavior management and discipline
  • Records requirements
  • Meal preparation and nutritional requirements
  • Infant care
  • Swimming and water safety

To be licensed, a child care home must be inspected by HCJFS Child Care Services and have the following requirements:

  • A working phone
  • A safe, healthy environment
  • A functioning kitchen, complete with a stove and refrigerator
  • A functioning bathroom with a working sink and toilet
  • An indoor play area with age-appropriate toys and activities
  • A nap space
  • An outdoor play area or nearby park

To maintain licensure:

  • A child care home must pass an inspection by HCJFS Child Care Services at least twice a year. At least one of these inspections will be unannounced.
  • Any violation found during an inspection must be corrected within 30 days.
  • Parents and HCJFS Child Care Services staff must be allowed to visit any time a child care home is open, even if it is unannounced.
  • The first year of licensure the home provider must complete a series of required classes and obtain a CPR and First Aid certificate. Each subsequent year, the home provider must maintain their CPR and First Aid cerfiticate and complete 6 elective hours of training.

Other important rules providers must follow:

  • A family home provider must:
    • Keep the home, materials and toys clean and follow sanitation guidelines
    • Follow rules and meet the standards for fire, health and emergency safety
    • Provide nutritious meals and snacks
    • Provide age appropriate developmental activities
    • Not use physical discipline. Spanking, withholding food and similar types of discipline are not permitted.