Starting a Center Based Child Care Program

Starting a Center based Child Care Program has different advantages than starting a home based program. First and foremost, a center is a small business that is located in a place other than your own home. A center is generally larger than a home based program, caring for more children and employing staff.

"Rules for the Licensing of Children's Day Care Facilities" (Microsoft Word)(free viewer)were approved by the Maine Legislature in 1998 and are currently being revised. Please review these rules as you will need to comply with them in order to become a Licensed Children's Day Care Facility.

The first step in starting a Child Care Center is to request a Licensing packet by calling (207) 287-5049. You will be sent a packet containing:

• Rules for the Licensing of Children's Day Care Facilities,
• Informational booklet on Fire Prevention and Life Safety Requirements,
• Information about municipal ordinances,
• Information about the required lead inspection,
• Instructions and information about the fire marshal inspection,
• and an application for a License to Operate a Children's Day Care Facility. The application asks for basic information about you and the facility and also requests three references.

Please note that part of the application form is available on-line for you to review. Please request a full packet if you will be applying for a License. Receiving the full packet by mail will ensure that you have all of the information that is required.The Licensing process will not begin until all forms from the Licensing packet have been returned to our office, along with the application fee of $80. The process to become Licensed generally takes at least three months from the time your completed application is received.

The State Fire Marshall's Office will be contacted and asked to inspect the facility as soon as possible. The Child Care Resource Development Centers in your area will also be notified that you have applied. They can be very helpful to those about to enter the child care business.

The process to become licensed generally takes three months from the time we receive your completed application.

A Licensing Worker from the Department of Health and Human Services, CSC Child Care Licensing Unit, will be in contact with you after your application is received to schedule a site visit to the facility. He or she will discuss your plans for operating a child care center, inspect the facility you intend to use, and offer any assistance that you might need in order to obtain a License.

Children's Day Care Facilities may be operated as for-profit or not-for-profit programs. The Center must employ a qualified Director who may or may not also be a Teacher at the center. The qualifications of the Director vary according the size of the facility. Please refer to the current licensing rules for information about Director qualifications and other related information.

If you have any questions about the Licensing process, please contact the Child Care Licensing Unit and speak with a Licensing worker or support staff at (207) 287-5060.