How to Start an Infant Daycare in Florida

Many stay at home moms in Florida want to help bring in some extra income by starting a facility for infant child care in St. Petersburg. The Department of Children and Families regulates childcare providers in Florida to make sure that a safe environment is provided. A prospective caregiver must take training classes, passing an exam, and then applying for a license.

The Department of Children and Families require operators of facilities for infant child care in St. Petersburg to provide dedicated service when caring for children. The operators of these day cares cannot work on anything else outside if the home during their service hours. If you wish to open a facility for infant child care in St. Petersburg, ensure that you satisfy the basic requirements set by Florida's Department of Children and Families.

In order to run a day care in Florida, you must be at least 18 years old, of good moral character, and an occupant and licensee of the home in which you plan to care for children. In order to make your home a facility for infant child care, you must take a 30-hour childcare training course. At the end of the course you will be given an exam that you must pass with a score of 70 percent or higher. You must also obtain training and certification in First Aid and infant/child CPR.

The next the next step you must take is to complete a background screening for you and any other resident of the home. After you pass the initial background screening, it is time for you to apply for your license to run a facility for infant child care by submitting CF-FSP form 5133. This form is an application for a license to operate a family day care in your home. With this application, you will need to provide evidence of your background screening so it can be looked over.

In order to run a facility for infant child daycare in St. Petersburg you will need to employ a substitute to stand in your place in case of emergencies on a temporary basis. The substitute must be at least 18 years old, of good moral character, and trained in First Aid and infant/child CPR. The substitute must also complete the 30-hour childcare training and pass the background training.

Once you gain your license to run a facility for infant child care in St. Petersburg, it is time to advertise your services and begin building a client base. Working on a referral basis is a great way for a day care to get its feet off the ground. Neighborhood fliers and local newspaper advertisements are great places to start. One thing you must remember is to maintain your license by taking the necessary continuing education classes that are required for your area. Always ensure that all safety regulations are met around your home before you open a day care.

Infant Child Care in St. Petersburg