Each state has its own laws regarding how many children a person can take care of in her own home before she must get a license. The number of children is usually not very high. It can be as few as only siblings from one family that is not your own, or it can be three or four children from families that are unrelated to you or to each other. It is important that you contact your state's department of health and human services, office of childcare licensing to find out your state's particular rules.
Licensing Department
Your state's licensing department probably has a local licensing representative for your area who is available for questions on a regular basis. In addition, you can find out more information from your state's department of health and human services or general business licensing office. Licensing requirements for daycare centers, family childcare homes and other childcare facilities are most likely posted on your state government's website.
Ages
Family childcare homes may be licensed for a certain number of children, but the provider may only take care of a specified number of children of a particular age at one time. For example, a family childcare home may provide care for only a certain number of children under the age of two or one in many cases.
Colorado
To provide care to children in Colorado, as an example, you must have a family home childcare license if you want to care for more than one child or two or more children who are not siblings from the same family. Infrequent care of children with or without compensation is permitted without a license.
Texas
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services requires individuals who wish to care for children to register or license their childcare facilities if they plan to care for more than four children at one time.
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