211 Child Care has information on local resources such as the Child and Adult Care Food Program and referrals to training programs for certification in First Aid/CPR and Administering Medication. Our resources will aid you in running a quality child care business.
Elevate, CT’s Quality Improvement System:
The Office of Early Childhood has a program designed to support all licensed child care programs as they create plans to improve or “Elevate” the quality of their program. This system gives providers in all settings the tools and guidance to create and implement these plans.
As a licensed program you are already a member in the Elevate program. Your next step is becoming a Member+ and this will require setting and implementing the goals that you choose for your program. Get one-on-one support through Service Navigation and the Staffed Family Child Care Networks to determine what tools and resources you can utilize to help you meet your goals. Explore how Elevate can help you!
Steps to Starting a Family Child Care Business
Staffed Family Child Care Networks: Family Child Care Networks are one of OEC’s key quality improvement supports for family child care programs. These community initiatives have paid staff with expertise helping family child care providers and they offer ongoing support services and resources. OEC is supporting networks across the state, each located in the area they serve and developed to meet the specific needs of their community. Networks work closely with local providers and families.
Careers in Early Childhood: Make a difference in the lives of young children, and their families, every day. Explore new opportunities and challenges in teaching, leading, training, and more. Embrace a profession that offers opportunities to grow personally and professionally!
Steps to Opening a Child Care Center
Licensing regulations are set by each individual state. Programs that are licensed must meet the state’s minimum standards. Each state defines which types of child care arrangements must be licensed.
The Child Day Care Licensing Program is governed by existing statutes and regulations. The following standards are implemented and enforced by the Office of Early Childhood Division of Licensing.
- Licensing Procedures
- Administration Responsibilities
- Staffing Responsibilities
- Record Keeping Responsibilities
- Health and Safety
- The Physical Plant
- Educational Requirements
The Office of Early Childhood Division of Licensing:
- Visits and inspects programs on a regular basis
- Conducts unannounced inspections
- Investigates complaints
- Conducts background checks on providers (If you have obtained an application over the Internet, please contact the Office of Early Childhood at 860-500-4466 to obtain fingerprint cards)
Contact the Office of Early Childhood Division of Licensing for more information:
- Statutes and Regulations for Licensing Child Day Care Centers and Group Day Care Homes
- Program Descriptions
- Forms and Applications
Contact 211 Child Care at 1-800-505-1000 or email 211childcare@ctunitedway.org for more information.