Legal Requirements to Open a Daycare Drop-In Center

Sometimes parents only need childcare for a few hours, to go to an appointment or run an errand or maybe just get a few precious minutes of ̶0;alone time,̶1; and there aren̵7;t any available babysitters. In these cases, drop-in daycare can be a good solution. Drop-in daycare is a daycare center that allows parents to drop their children off on an as-needed basis for a short period of time. The National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Childcare defines a drop-in daycare facility as one that cares for any child for fewer than 30 days a year on an intermittent basis. If you are considering opening a drop-in daycare, there are some legal issues that you need to keep in mind, as drop-in daycare centers are held to the same standards as any other daycare center.

  1. Licensing

    • Drop-in daycare centers are subject to the same licensing requirements as traditional daycare. Each state has its own license requirements and processes. You can find a listing of requirements by state in Resources. In general, most states require daycare center operators to meet specific age and training requirements, and meet specific requirements for maintaining the facility.

    Insurance

    • If you operate a drop-in daycare center, you need to carry liability and property insurance. In some cases, if you are running your drop-in daycare from your home, your business can be covered under your homeowner̵7;s policy.

    Identification

    • Because drop-in daycare providers may not be as familiar with the children and families using the service as a traditional daycare center might be, some states have specific requirements regarding identification to protect children. Children may be required to wear nametags or have another way that providers can identify them. Most states require a drop-in daycare to develop and follow a clear policy regarding who may pick up a child, and to require identification from all adults picking up children from the center.

    CPR and First Aid

    • Typically childcare providers are required by state law to have training in pediatric CPR and first aid. Also, some states prohibit drop-in daycare providers from giving children any kind of medication.

    Building Requirements

    • Most states have laws regarding the minimum amount of space required for a daycare center. If you are renting a commercial space, the number of children you can have at your drop-in daycare is determined by the occupancy limits of the building as well as your staffing ratio. State laws regulating childcare also specify safety requirements for childcare centers, such as the number of exits that must be available, the use of childproofing equipment and the maintenance of outdoor areas.

    Other Legal Requirements

    • Drop-in daycare centers must meet the same requirements as traditional centers in terms of inspections, discipline policies, and nutrition and food regulations. Drop-in daycare providers are also mandated to report suspected cases of abuse or neglect, as required by state law.

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