Licensing Application Questions

[CityGarden]

I am moving and will need to reapply for licensing. Some questions I am wondering....

Is it best to get apply to have a range of ages i.e. 0-5 years or best to just state the ages you want i.e. 0-2 or 2-5, etc.

Also is it best to state your actual hours you plan to offer care or longer hours so you have flexibility.

I ask because before I moved a family friend just assuming I would be taking her 6 month old child when I opened --- I told her my license at the time was for 2 years and up only (which was true of how I initially applied) but I know some of you have switched up hours or ages so I am wondering.

Also if you state a certain age range when they do the initial inspection will they be looking for items specific to the ages? I.e. cribs for babies, cubbies / preschool size tables for older kids.

TIA

[MarinaVanessa]

What state are you in? Every state has different rules and regulations so it's hard to help without knowing where you're from 😉

[spedmommy4]

Honestly, you should list what you could potentially use. Even if you aren't going to care for a certain age now, it may be a hassle to get it changed later.

In regards to toys, I would say that depends on your analyst. When I started, my environment was clearly set up for preschool. I told my analyst that I wanted to try preschool only and would add infant items if I could've make my model work. My environment was well set up so she was okay with it.

[DaveA]

I would apply to cover the whole age range and hours you might deal with. Easier to not use some hours or not take care of an age rather than reapply because your program has changed. As for toys/ equipment, when I first applied I was set up for 2-5 but licensing for infants also. The rep and I just discussed equipment I would be using, where it would be at, that sort of stuff.

[CityGarden]

What state are you in? Every state has different rules and regulations so it's hard to help without knowing where you're from 😉

I am in Southern California near Los Angeles.

[CityGarden]

I would apply to cover the whole age range and hours you might deal with. Easier to not use some hours or not take care of an age rather than reapply because your program has changed. As for toys/ equipment, when I first applied I was set up for 2-5 but licensing for infants also. The rep and I just discussed equipment I would be using, where it would be at, that sort of stuff.

Thanks for replying. That helps about the equipment.

If you license for hours say 6am - 6pm but end up only open 8am - 3pm what if they do their surprise inspections when there are not children present??? How does that work?

[spedmommy4]

Thanks for replying. That helps about the equipment.

If you license for hours say 6am - 6pm but end up only open 8am - 3pm what if they do their surprise inspections when there are not children present??? How does that work?

I lived in California. My understanding is that you are supposed to put up a little note indicating you are out. (Eg: field trip, etc). Although, once you know who your analyst is, I would just let them know.

[Daycare Insurance]

Will you have an insurance policy? If so, you may want to find out how many hours/children you will be covered for. Some policy rates are based on the hours that you are licensed for and the amount of children you are licensed for. So if you become licensed for extra hours or extra children, your policy may cost you more. Just something to consider.

[thrivingchildcarecom]

I think it is better give yourself wiggle room with your hours as far as licensing goes. That way you have less of a chance of being out of compliance if someone is late or their is an emergency and you need to extend your hours for some reason. I would, however, enforce my regular hours with parents.

I think I have always stated a broader age range when it came to licensing. That way I can decide if I want different aged child and not be bound by licensing limitations.

Hope that helped!

[CityGarden]

Will you have an insurance policy? If so, you may want to find out how many hours/children you will be covered for. Some policy rates are based on the hours that you are licensed for and the amount of children you are licensed for. So if you become licensed for extra hours or extra children, your policy may cost you more. Just something to consider.

Very interesting point. I notice you are local to me, I do plan to have an insurance policy I am hoping to have a stand alone policy if I can afford it I will have it starting out if not I will add it later..... would you like to PM me your info.?

[CityGarden]

I think it is better give yourself wiggle room with your hours as far as licensing goes. That way you have less of a chance of being out of compliance if someone is late or their is an emergency and you need to extend your hours for some reason. I would, however, enforce my regular hours with parents.

I think I have always stated a broader age range when it came to licensing. That way I can decide if I want different aged child and not be bound by licensing limitations.

Hope that helped!

Thanks. Great point about cushioning the hours.

With licensing can you make a simple change like hours or ages or do you have to reapply all over?

[Second Home]

Thanks. Great point about cushioning the hours.

With licensing can you make a simple change like hours or ages or do you have to reapply all over?

For me ( MD ) any changes need to be submitted in writing and you must show that you have the required training and equipment . So if you are not lic for infants but want to add infants you must take the infant safety/sids courses and have the cribs/playpens to show the licensing person. If I want to change hours I just have to submit the request in writing .

[CityGarden]

For me ( MD ) any changes need to be submitted in writing and you must show that you have the required training and equipment . So if you are not lic for infants but want to add infants you must take the infant safety/sids courses and have the cribs/playpens to show the licensing person. If I want to change hours I just have to submit the request in writing .

Thanks I will have to check on this with my state.