Rules for Family Child Care Homes (Type A and Type B)
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.
