Child Care Director Resources Child Care Licensing & Legislation How To Get Your Child Care License In Pennsylvania: The Simplified Guide

How To Get Your Child Care License In Pennsylvania: The Simplified Guide

2nd March 2022

Are you a Pennsylvania preschool teacher starting a family child care program? Or new-to-the-field but want to create a daycare or childcare in Pennsylvania? Kudos to you if YES! Pennsylvania is ranked 3rd in states with child care deserts. There are significant opportunities to start a family child care business in the 'State of Independence.' Licensing rules can be complex, but we have created this updated guide to simplify the process. As always, Wonderschool is here to help you get licensed with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. And we won't stop there. After you are licensed we will continue to support you with our all-in-one child care app, best practice resources and financial tips for quality programs. For further licensing help in all 50 states, click the link below.

Getting Started

How To Use This Guide First of all, congratulations on taking this exciting step in your licensing journey! Trust us, we know how confusing state websites can be. Hopefully, this guide will demystify some of the requirements.

1. Keep this guide close and check things off as you go ✅
2. Make use of our library of resources for additional support

Join Wonderschool for additional community support.

Step 1: Complete Online Module Session (Part 1)

- You can sign up for the online session here and complete all steps. This online session will provide you with the first part of the orientation.
- You have to create a new account if you do not already have one
- To access the DHS Orientation lesson, login to the "On Demand" system, scroll down to find the lesson title, and click:
  - "DHS Orientation: Opening a Family Child Care Home” - Family Child Care home (up to 6 children enrolled in the home including the provider’s own children)
- You will receive a certificate of completion of this session - save it for the next step!

Step 2: Contact Your Local OCDEL Office To Register For In-person Orientation (Part 2)

- Find your local office using this roster of OCDEL regional office locations.
- Ask them how to get a certificate of occupancy from your local municipality.
- Speak with them to register for the in-person orientation.
  - You may attend training at any location in Pennsylvania.
  - When you have registered, you will receive confirmation. You must bring this proof of confirmation to be admitted to the orientation.

What to expect from the orientations:

- They cover topics such as how to fill out the application, important necessary documents, clearances, health and safety regulations, and information on child care subsidy, Keystone STARS, and Early Intervention.
- You must attend the in-person session within one year of completing the online module for the certificate to be valid.
- To prepare for the in-person orientation, review the guidance on this page under the heading “Certified Facilities Program (Family Child Care Home)”

- You must pre-register for the in-person session.
- You must bring valid identification.
- You must bring the certificate of completion for the module with you to the in-person session.
- You must print out a copy of the child care regulations and bring it with you to your session.
- Upon completion of these orientations, providers will be given a certificate of completion that is valid for one year.

Step 3: Obtain background checks Background checks are mandatory for you and your staff, as well as anyone over 18 years old living in the home for more than 30 days per calendar year.

- - PA Child Abuse History Clearance ($8 per person) – call 1-877-343-0494 or visit the Child Welfare Portal here.
  - PA State Police Criminal Record Check ($20 per person)–call 1-888-783-7972 or visit Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History here.
  - FBI Fingerprint Criminal Background Check ($25.75 per person) – call 1-877-371-5422 or check for open fingerprinting locations here.

Step 4: Complete The Application Either Paper Version Or Online

- Download the new universal application for new and renewing family child care homes, group child care homes and child care centers. Turn over your application to your local licensing authority
- OR Register and create an account on Pennsylvania’s self-service portal
- If the system asks you to link your organization, click, “None, return to PSS home page.”
- Once you create your online profile, select licensing, and follow the steps on the licensing application. Submit online!

Step 5: Register and Complete Healthy & Safety Trainings All staff in certified child care programs are required to have training in 10 critical health and safety topics. Free modules (covering 9 of 10 required topics) are available to earn annual training hours and meet most of the new federal requirements.

- Access the online training for free at Better Kid Care

- Search for “First Aid” here and register for first aid training sessions in your area

Step 6: Complete Your Home Inspection

- Watch this video to prepare yourself for your inspection!
- Call your OCDEL office to review the status of your application and any next steps prior to your inspection.

Step 7: Success! Pat yourself on the back, take a deep breath, and get some rest-- the real work is just beginning!

What's Next?

Start, run, and grow your child care business with Wonderschool Join Wonderschool for support throughout the licensing process, setting up your environment, making critical business decisions, and running the day-to-day of your program. You don’t have to do this alone!