Home > Become a child care provider
We’ll help you start your own child care business
and assist you as it grows, and our services are free.
The need for family child care providers has never been greater. In most communities there are not enough child care options available. If you love children and want to support their growth and development; have a safe and comfortable home; and want to earn extra income while working at home, consider becoming a family child care provider. Ohio4Kids can help you get started. We’ll provide business startup help, including assistance in working with licensing agencies, and information on business practices, training, child environments, daily routines and activity plans, and we can refer you to other resources dealing with tax preparation, funding sources, and more.
Thinking about something bigger? We can give you information on all types of child care program options—child care centers, preschools, school-age programs, and Head Start too.
Ready to take the first step?
Contact Ohio4Kids at 1-800-577-2276 or email us. Our professional staff will discuss the options with you. We’re here to improve the quality and increase the accessibility of child care in Ohio, and our services are free.
Let us help you get started. You don’t have to do it alone!
Once you’re in business, we’re still here to help.
Our services are ongoing. Ohio4Kids supports providers with:
- A newsletter that provides information on child care practices, activity suggestions, and other topics of interest to providers.
- Training opportunities that will help you become a better caregiver and business person.
- A resource lending library with books and videos on child care and child development topics
- Referrals—our provider database is constantly accessed by people looking for child care in your area.
- Sample room arrangements and toy lists for different age children.
- Sample daily routines and activity plans.
- Sample menus for meals and snacks.
Our specialists are always available to answer your questions: 1-800-577-2276
Go to the 4providers section of to view our support services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ohio Child Care Rules and Regulations
For Family Child Care Regulations (home based), visit http://jfs.ohio.gov/CDC/childcare.stm
For Child Care Centers licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Service visit, http://jfs.ohio.gov/CDC/childcare.stm
For programs licensed by the Ohio Department of Education visit, http://www.ode.state.oh.us
Customized Support and Mentoring
Ohio4Kids offers customized services, under special contract, to potential and/or existing providers. These services include:
- On-site coaching and mentoring
- One-on-one guidance and education to meet licensing compliance
- Referrals to other sources of assistance
- Pre-certification services for other monitoring agencies
- Enhanced recruiting services to corporations needing to provide child care benefits to employees.
Contact us for more information: 1-800-577-2276
