Want to start a child care center?

In many ways, starting up a child care center is just like starting up any other new business.  You need to find a good location, develop a business plan, obtain adequate financing, pass any necessary inspections and hire staff.  In addition, all legal child care centers in Ohio are licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.  Rules for licensing child care centers are extensive and must be met exactly in the following categories:

  • The amount of space (square footage) required per child by age of child
  • Education and specialized training for child care center directors
  • Education and specialized training for child care center staff
  • Supervision and staff/child ratios
  • Transportation
  • Sleeping, resting and napping arrangements
  • Administration of medication and management of sick children
  • Furnishings and equipment, including outdoor play areas
  • Programming and curriculum

Centers must also pass stringent health and fire inspections.  The community where you want to open your center may also have specific zoning regulations, inspection requirements, and business license fees.  Complete rules for licensing a child care center can be found here, Rules for Child Care Centers.

For help starting a child care center, please contact the Child Care Resource Center.  We can help you with building/site selection, room arrangement and layout, selection of furnishings and materials, and staffing.  For more specific information about financial resources, non-profit status or management of a center, visit our Business Central page.