Child Care: Finding a Licensed Provider

When you think of child care you may just think of the typical day care center, or maybe a day care run out of someone's home, but did you know that there are actually a few different types of child care providers that can be licensed in Utah?  There is family child care, family group child care, residential certified, child care centers, and school age only care.  Knowing what it all means can really help you in your search for a reliable child care situation for your little one!  Here is a description of each type to help you figure it all out!

Family Child Care-This is a provider that is licensed to do child care in their home. They must have an adult to child ratio of 1 adult to 8 children with no more than 2 children under the age of 2, or 1 adult to 6 children with no more than 3 children under the age of 2.  Any children that belong to caregivers (kids who already reside in the home) count in that ratio until they turn 4 years old.
 
Family Group Child Care-This is also a provider that is licensed to do child care in their home. The adult to child ratios are 2 adults to 9-16 children with no more than 4 children under the age of 2.  The family child care and family group child care providers must have written policies and procedures and an emergency & disaster plan. They also must have 20 hours of training a year, must have first aid supplies in the home and in any vehicle used to transport the children, and have specific play equipment guidelines.
 
Residential Certified (RC)-This is a provider that is certified to do child care in the home. Residential certification is considered a lower standard than licensed, because of different ratios, group sizes, care giver training, and outdoor equipment standards. The adult to child ratios required are 1 adult to 8 children with no more than 2 children under the age of 2, children belonging to the care givers count in the ratio until 3 years old.  An emergency and disaster plan is required, but can be verbal, first aid supplies must be in the home, and 10 hours of training are required annually.

Child Care Center-This is a provider that operates in a non-residential setting and on a regular schedule. The number of children allowed is determined by the size of the facility.
 
School Age Only-This type of child care is provided in a non-residential setting for school age children only (ages 5-12). However, many centers and family child care programs also take school age children.

For more information, check out CareAboutChildCare.Utah.Gov!