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ELRC Region 7 Online Hub

Resources for parents, caregivers, and providers

Resources

Certification

Early Learning Provider Requirements

Child care and early learning providers operating a program for four or more unrelated children must be certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. The Department regulates three types of child care facilities:

  • Child Care Center: A child care facility in which seven or more children who are not related to the operator receive child care. A child care center must have a certificate of compliance ("license") from the Department of Human Services (DHS) in order to legally operate. Childcare Regulations for Childcare Centers
  • Group Child Care Home: A child care facility in which seven through 12 children of various ages or in which seven through 15 children from 4th grade through 15 years of age who are not related to the operator receive child care. A group child care home must have a certificate of compliance ("license") from DHS in order to legally operate. Childcare Regulations for Group Childcare Homes
  • Family Child Care Home: A child care facility located in a home in which four, five, or six children who are not related to the caregiver receive child care. A family child care home must have a certificate of compliance ("license") from DHS in order to legally operate. Childcare Regulations for Family Childcare Homes

 

Opening a Child Care Facility

If you are interested in operating a child care facility, you should contact the Department of Human Services Regional Child Development Office that regulates child care facilities in your county. Each regional office is assigned responsibility for facilities located in specific counties in Pennsylvania.

 

Child Care forms

All forms are available in PDF format.

Can't find the form you're looking for or need additional information? 
Please contact the Regional Child Development Office nearest you.