Start-Up Services: Pre-Licensing Support
Want to open your own Child Care business?
We're your Starting Point.
At Starting Point, we guide you through Department of Children and Youth (DCY) licensing requirements and regulations, helping you turn a passion for children into a sustainable, licensed business. We’re here for you every step of the way.
Select Your Business Model
In-Home Aide (Certified Child Care Provider)
- Low investment: No facility overhead; child care is provided directly in the client’s home.
- 1 – 2 Month StartUp: Requires a high school diploma, background checks, and pre-licensing training.
Family Type A Or B Licensed Family Child Care Home
- Mid-level Investment: Operate from your existing residence.
- 3–6 Month Start-Up: This estimated timeframe includes required pre-licensing training, background checks for all adult members of the household, and health and safety checks for your home and the people in it.
- 1–14 Children: Start with Type B (up to 7 children) and scale to Type A (up to 14 children).
Child Care Center
- High Investment: Requires commercial real estate, renovation, and staff.
- 6–12+ Month Start: In addition to the training and certification process, this has a longer timeline due to zoning, architectural plans, and permits.
- 7+ Children: The capacity of your child care center is determined by the square footage included on your license, which you’ll apply for in this process.
Get Started Today
What Starting Point offers:
Pre-Licensing Virtual Learning Circles
Starting Point’s Pre-Licensing Virtual Learning Circles are designed to assist potential family child care providers in navigating the licensing process to meet the Department of Children and Youth (DCY) childcare licensing rules, responsibilities, and application requirements.
These virtual learning circles consist of five sessions that cover critical areas:
- Getting Started
- Written Information Policies and Procedures
- Plan of Operation
- DCY Licensing Application
- What’s Next?
Each session provides an opportunity to learn about licensing forms, documents, and templates necessary for a successful family child care license application. The sessions include interactive group discussions, best practices for running a program, and guidance on preparing your home to provide a safe, clean, and learning-rich environment for the children and families you will serve. Recognizing that many participants are currently working or have other responsibilities, these sessions are offered with flexible scheduling.
Individualized Technical Assistance and Coaching
To address your specific needs throughout the licensing process, Starting Point provides Individualized Technical Assistance and Coaching. These services are available on-site, in-person, and virtually to guide and support you through every step of the application process, ensuring that you’re well-prepared to pass your pre-licensing inspection and successfully open your child care business.
Health and Safety Start-Up Kit
Starting Point offers a Health and Safety Start-Up Kit at no cost to Family Child Care Homes in Cuyahoga County, which includes essential materials to help you meet state licensing requirements and pass inspections. The kit contains items such as a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, smoke detectors, and other miscellaneous items that ensure you are ready for inspections and the launch of your child care program.
Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
After becoming a licensed child care provider, Starting Point can connect you with the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). This federal program provides reimbursements for meals and snacks served to the children in your care, ensuring that you can offer nutritious food options as part of your program.
