What types of child care providers are available to me?

There are three types of regulated child care providers available to parents including: Child Care Centers, Group Day Care Homes, and Family Day Care Homes.


A regulated child care program must have a certificate of compliance (license or registration) from the Department of Public Welfare in order to legally operate.

Child Care Centers are facilities that are licensed and inspected by the state at least once per year. The maximum number of children permitted depends on the size of the facility and the number of staff members.

Group Day Care Homes are also licenced and inspected by the state at least once per year. They may be in a person's home or in a seperate facility. The maximum number of children permitted is 12.

Family Day Care Homes are registered by the state and are located in the provider's home. The maximum number of children (unrelated to the provider) permitted is 6. The provider may have additional children or grandchildren in care. The state conducts on-site visits to a random list of family day care homes every year.

Learn more about the available types of providers!

What should I look for when visiting a child care facility?

Count the number of children in the group. Count the number of adults caring for the children in that group. The fewer the number of children for each adult, the more attention your child will receive. State guidelines for child to staff ratios are available from our office.

Ask about the background, education and experience of the adults who will be caring for your child. Does anyone have training in CPR or First Aid? Has any of the staff attended early childhood education or child development classes. Ask if the staff has had child abuse clearances.

Look at more than one child care facility.  Determine whether each facility is a safe place for your child. Take note of who plays with the children. Do you see toys, games, puzzles, books and other learning materials? Are there quiet and active activities, indoor and outdoor activities? Are meals and snacks served? Does everyone wash their hands?  Are there group and individual activites and lessons planned for each day?

Listen to the sounds in the facility! What does the child care setting sound like? Is there laughter? Are there happy sounds? Is the staff Cheerful? Patient? Nurturing? 

Print out a Child Care Checklist to help evaluate each facility you visit.

What are the licensing and registration rules for child care providers?
The provider's license or registration should be prominently displayed. If it is not, ask to see it. Click on the link above for more detailed information about what to look for in a regulated provider’s facility and basic licensing and registration requirements.

Beyond licensing, there are several standards to evaluate quality in child care settings.  As a parent only you can determine whether your child is happy. Don't forget to listen to your child. Watch their interaction with the staff and remember: You are the consumer and the final decision about a child care facility is yours.  Contact your CCIS office for more information.

Keystone Stars
The Keystone Stars is Pennsylvania's program to improve the quality of early learning. It is a voluntary program that recognizes Department of Public Welfare (DPW) regulated child care providers who exceed state health and safety certification requirements. The Keystone Stars is quality rating system beginning with the Start with STARS level and progressing up through a STAR One, Two, Three, or Four designation.  For more information, go to the Keystone Stars website.

If you have any questions or for more information please feel free to contact a Parent Resource and Referral Counselor about any of our services.  You may contact us on-line or at our child care hotline at 1-888-461-KIDS.

Search for a Child Care Provider Online
If you are seeking online information about state-based early education programs or wish to conduct a provider search online, please visit the State of PA's COMPASS system here:
www.compass.state.pa.us/childcaresearch

[Home] [For Parents] [For Providers] [Child Care Locator] [Contact Us] [FAQ]

This site is made possible by a grant from the Department of Public Welfare, Governor Edward G. Rendell and the Secretary of Public Welfare, Estelle B. Richman.
Web site design by Canine Interactive