Childcare regulation has been a debated issue for decades. Professionals such as Maria Montessori and Friedrich Froebel have proven that comprehensive preschool education stimulates the development of a child. Licensing of daycare agencies falls under the purview of state social services departments. Many states offer an online search protocol allowing parents to examine the licensing of a daycare center before agreeing to place their child in its care.
Step 1
Gather as much information about the daycare center as you can. Write down the full address and phone number. Ask for the legal name of the service and if they use a doing business (DBA) name. Some companies may operate under one name but be licensed under a corporation or a separate company. Inquire at the office for the name of the owner who holds the license. Ask to see licensing certificates if available.
Step 2
Open the website for Child Care Aware on your computer. This site offers a listing of state contacts for childcare licensing information.
Step 3
Click on the down arrow next to "Choose Your State." Select the state of the childcare provider from the dropdown list. Highlight the state and click "Go." This will bring up a link for the social services department responsible for childcare licensing for that state.
Step 4
Look for a link on the state page that provides licensing information. The setup of pages varies per state. Many offer parent information sections that have links with inquiry forms or database search. Click on any link for license search or provider information. This will be the gateway to finding out about the childcare agency license.
Step 5
If the web search yields no results, call the state regulatory agency and talk to someone. The operator or a social services worker can tell you how to get in touch with the right person, what the licensing laws are in your state and how to get the licensing information.
Tips and Warnings
- Check for complaints filed against a daycare center. Some states offer a service highlighting childcare services with multiple complaints.
