Licensing standards vary from state to state. The Utah licensing entity is the Department
of Health, Bureau of Child Development.
The goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of children. Minimum standards are
set by government regulatory agencies, with input from professionals and community.
Licensing rules are established to determine the least that can be provided to assure
safe, healthy, nurturing environment for children's care and development.
Accountable to report major changes.
All providers must pass a criminal background check and attain the minimal hours of
required training.
License expires & providers must renew license at set times established by the licensor.
Inspections are done both announced and unannounced biannually.
Types of Licensing
Residential Certificate - Child care provided in a private home for up to eight children.
This can include up to (but not more than) two children under the age of two.
Family Child Care - Child care provided in a private home for up to eight children.
This can include up to (but not more than) two children under the age of two Family
Group Child Care
Family Group Child Care - Child care provided in a private home and operated by two
providers who care for up to 16 children (including their own).
Child Care Center - Child care provided in a non-residential setting on a regular
schedule. The number of children allowed will be determined by the facility's total
square footage.
Hourly Center - Child care provided in a non-residential setting, not on a regular
schedule.
License Exempt
Nanny Care
Relative Care
Programs administered by public or parochial schools
Drop-in programs where the parents are on premises (i.e. playgroups, gym, church,
etc.)
Accreditation
National standards created by national groups to meet a higher level of quality.
Set by professionals in Early Childhood Education; intended as standards of excellence
that is most often higher than licensing regulations.
Child care programs voluntarily become accredited as it is not mandated by law.
Established to determine the best that can be provided to facilitate optimal growth
and development.
Staff engage in continued education and professional development.
Annual report of changes and improvements.
Accreditation expires/must be reaccredited.
Types of Accreditation
National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC)
