How Many Children Can I Watch In PA Without Being Registered/Certified?

Collapse
X
 
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
  • Mandolin830
    • Jun 2025

    How Many Children Can I Watch In PA Without Being Registered/Certified?

    Hello, I'm new to the forum and have a question for anyone familiar with the regulations in PA. I currently work at a daycare center, but I cannot afford to have my two children there because my income is my family's only reliable income right now. (My husband just started his business this year.) I would like to begin watching a few children in our home so that I could have the opportunity to be at home with my boys. My questions are:

    How many children can I watch in PA without being registered or licensed?

    Does my home have to be zoned for home business?

    Does it make a difference if I am renting the home?

    I appreciate any help anyone can give me! It is wreaking havoc on my family being away from my sons, only to spend my days with other people's children, while I pay a sitter to watch my own kids. Thank you so much.
  • Michael
    Founder & Owner-Daycare.com
    • Aug 2007
    • 7947

    #2
    Standards and ratios for your state: https://www.daycare.com/pennsylvania/

    Comment

    • Mandolin830

      #3
      I see the ratio for "small family child care homes" is 4-6, not including my own. Does this mean that if I watch 3 or less children that I do not need to register or be certified?

      Comment

      • LK5kids
        Daycare.com Member
        • Oct 2012
        • 1222

        #4
        Possibly. I would call your licensing agency or child care resource and referral to make sure.

        Comment

        • thatdivalady
          Daycare.com Member
          • Oct 2011
          • 154

          #5
          In PA you are allowed to watch 3 children including your own without being registered. Hope that helps!

          Comment

          Working...