Opening a childcare center is a rewarding business option for professionals who are passionate about helping families. You can have a lasting impact on kids’ lives and serve as a positive steward of child development in your community, all while making a decent income.
If you’re looking to open a childcare business in Florida, there are several important standards you need to follow. Here’s how to prepare to become a successful childcare provider and business owner in your state.
Obtain a Florida Childcare License
Before opening your business to the public, you need to get licensed. This is required by law for any childcare service that offers paid care for more than five children.
Most counties in Florida operate under the state’s regulatory office, the Florida Department of Children and Families (Florida DCF). View their website for details regarding childcare licensing and regulations.
Note: Several counties have specific, local licensing agencies that regulate local childcare programs instead of the DCF. These counties are Boward, Palm Beach, Hillsborough, Sarasota, and Pinellas. If you live in one of these areas, contact your nearest childcare office for licensing.
Types of Childcare Licenses in Florida
Getting a childcare license takes time, money, and dedication. Depending on the type of childcare center you plan to operate—plus any additional requirements in your area—the licensure requirements vary.
For every licensing process, you can expect to:
- Complete childcare training, background screenings, and other pre-license tasks.
- Fill out and submit your childcare license application(s).
- Undergo a facility inspection for health and safety.
- Pay a licensing fee.
- Wait to be approved.
Let’s look at the main types of childcare centers and their different obligations.
1. Child Care Facility
A Florida Child Care Facility is defined as any provider who extends care to more than five children unrelated to them and receives payment for this care.
The childcare owner must be 21 years of age or older and meet these requirements:
- 40-Hour Child Care Training: Providers must complete the required 40-Hour Introductory Child Care Facility Training which covers necessary rules, regulations, health and safety policies, mandated reporting, and child development courses.
- Director Credential: The facility operator must obtain a Director Credential before licensure, which provides the skills and regulatory training necessary to direct a facility.
- Staff Credential: You must have an active Staff Credential and follow staff-to-child ratios of no more than one teacher per 20 children.
- Licensing Fees: $25-$100
For step-by-step instructions on how to get licensed as a Child Care Facility operator, contact the Florida DCF online.
2. Registered Family Day Care Home
A Family Day Care Home applies to any residence owner who provides regular care for at least two children who are unrelated to them in exchange for payment.
The owner of a Family Day Care Home must be at least 18 years old and operate their childcare business from home. There must be at least one additional care provider present in case of emergencies, regardless of the number of children.
Other requirements include:
- 30-Hour Family Child Care Training: Complete 30 hours of training and pass the competency exams that cover home rules, health and safety, mandated reporting, child development, and behavioral observations.
- Additional Training: Complete 0.5 units (5 hours) of continuing education on child literacy, as well as CPR and safety certifications.
- Licensing Fee: $50
For home daycares, you are also required to pass a home inspection before your childcare license is approved.
3. Large Family Child Care Home
A Large Family Child Care Home is similar to a Family Day Care Home, except it operates with additional full-time employees. Therefore, more children are typically enrolled. There are also stricter regulations.
The primary operator of a Large Family Child Care Home must be at least 21 years old and fulfill these requirements:
- Active Childcare License: You must have had a valid Family Day Care license for at least two years in a row within the past five years.
- Staff Credential: You must have already maintained a Staff Credential for at least one year.
- Continued Training: Complete 30 hours of training for Large Family Child Care Homes in addition to your previous 30-hour training, and maintain CPR and safety certifications.
- Employees: Have one or more full-time, legal adult employees during business hours. Always abide by staff-child ratios.
- Fire Inspection: You must pass a fire inspection.
- Licensing Fee: $60
Large Family Child Care Homes need to pass recurring health and safety inspections to operate legally.
Comply With Standards, Policies and Guidelines
In addition to licensing, Florida childcare centers are obligated to follow specific rules and guidelines during operation. These policies ensure the overall health and safety of everyone involved in your program, from parents to staff to kids.
It’s crucial that you’re familiar with Florida policies and guidance, as these prevent your business from legal conflict and physical danger. Standards inform your procedures for emergency plans, injury response, cleaning and sanitation, food preparation, illness and disease response, and more.
Follow a Childcare Business Plan
Whether you create a business plan yourself or seek professional counsel, following a strategic plan encourages better outcomes for your entire childcare center. It’s essentially a step-by-step guidebook to help you achieve start-up and long-term goals.
Consider financing, scheduling, pricing, staffing, marketing, and other standard operating procedures when developing a business plan. For a more detailed walkthrough of this process, read: How to Make a Childcare Business Plan.
Create a Florida Childcare Curriculum
After you arrange your licensure, secure your policies, and launch a business plan, don’t forget about the childcare curriculum. The state of Florida’s Department of Early Learning highlights developmental standards, offering program guidance and child assessments that benefit the kids in your care.
Use these resources to your advantage when developing your childcare lesson plans and curriculum. These tools help you and your staff make informed decisions that best support children in early development.
Use the Daily Connect App for Childcare Management
Today, childcare centers often rely on secure technology to plan, operate, and manage their business. Daily Connect, the leading childcare management app, streamlines your processes and helps you stay organized so you can:
- Remain compliant
- Offer parent billing online
- Log child attendance
- Track child assessments
- Manage lesson plans
- Communicate with parents and staff
- Manage employees
- And more
If you’re opening a childcare center in Florida, we’re here to help. Set up a free Daily Connect account to get started on the right track. Download Daily Connect today for childcare management features and future business insights.
