Licensed vs Unlicensed Child Care
The state of Oregon has different rules and regulations for each type of child care business. Below is a basic overview of the different types of care. Click here for additional information about the Early Learning Division in Oregon.
Licensed Child Care Types in Oregon
Licensed child care facilities are regulated by the state of Oregon. They are required to meet health and safety standards, comply with background checks, and participate in ongoing training. These facilities are regularly monitored with on-site inspections. In addition, they are required to keep attendance records, have planned educational activities, have guidance and discipline policies, and a daily routine. They must be trained in first aid and CPR, child abuse and neglect, and certified to handle food preparation. Below are the three types of child care licenses available in Oregon.
Click the here for more information on the three types of child care licenses in the state of Oregon.
Registered Family Child Care
This is a home-based child care license. Pals in a Pod has this type of license.
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The child care business is in the provider’s own home. A license is limited to one provider per household.
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A maximum number of 10 children are allowed in care at any one time. Of those 10 children, six children may be preschool age or younger, two of the six preschool children may be under 24 months of age. The provider’s own children are included in the number of children in care.
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Prior to a license being issued, changing to a new home address, reopening a license after a lapse in time, or renewing a license every two years, the provider must satisfactorily complete an on-site health and safety review conducted by the Office of Child Care.
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The provider, all other residents of the home, substitute caregivers, and frequent visitors 18 years of age or older must be enrolled in the Office of Child Care’s Central Background Registry.
Certified Family Child Care
This is a home-base child care license.
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The child care business is in a single family home, usually the provider’s own home. License is limited to one provider per household. The provider may hire additional staff.
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A maximum number of 12 children (16 children with prior approval by the Office of Child Care) are allowed in care at any one time. The provider’s own children are included in the determination of caregiver/child ratio and group size.
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An environmental health specialist, as well as a licensing specialist from the Office of Child Care must inspect and approve the home prior to a license being issued. Both specialists must conduct an annual inspection before a license is renewed.
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The, provider, all other residents of the home, substitute caregivers, staff, volunteers, and 18 years of age or older must be enrolled in the Office of Child Care’s Central Background Registry.
Certified Child Care Center
This is a license for child care conducted in a facility outside of the home.
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The child care business is in a facility that has met zoning, occupancy, and building code requirements; usually a commercial building.
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The maximum number of children allowed in care depends on the square footage of the building, number of qualified staff, and various other factors. The license reflects maximum number of children allowed in care at any one time.
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An environmental health specialist, the local fire department, as well as a licensing specialist from the Office of Child Care must inspect and approve the facility prior to a license being issued. All three inspections must be conducted annually before a license is renewed.
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The director, child care staff, volunteers, or any individual who may have unsupervised contact with child care children during operation hours that are 18 years of age or older must be enrolled in the Office of Child Care’s Central Background Registry.
Unlicensed Child Care in Oregon
Oregon does not require some child care businesses to be licensed. This typically includes nannies, babysitters, and short-term child care facilities. There are many exemptions to being required to have a license, such as caring for children who are all from the same family, only watching less than three children at a time, or being related to all the children in care. Many unlicensed child care businesses are unregulated and do not require outside certifications or training.
Click the here for more information on unlicensed child care in the state of Oregon.