Take these steps to start the licensing process:

• Identify a potential site:
  • Contact the construction official of the town or municipality, where the potential site is located, to determine if the property has been zoned to include a child care center;
  • Secure a variance (permission to operate a child care center in an area that is not approved for business use) from the municipal officials if the building is not in a business zone; and
  • Obtain a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) from the municipal construction official reflecting the building's compliance with applicable requirements of the State Uniform Construction Code (NJUCC). The CO must be one of the following use groups:
  • I-4 (Institutional) for children younger than 2 ½ years of age;
  • E (Educational) for six or more children 2 ½ years of age or older; or
  • A-3 or A-4 (Assembly) for school aged child care programs (I-4 or E may also be used)
    • The municipal zoning office or construction official can answer questions regarding a variance or a CO.
• Once you have established a potential site is zoned for a child care center, you may contact the Office of Licensing for a courtesy inspection.  The Office of Licensing also reviews architectural plans for renovations and new construction of child care centers. These services are offered to prospective center operators at no cost.
• Read the Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers very carefully. It includes requirements for:
  • Comprehensive liability insurance
  • Vehicle insurance
  • Staff qualifications including director, head teacher, group teacher and program supervisor
  • Supervision and staff child ratios
  • Program activities and equipment
  • Health and sanitation conditions and practices
  • Food and nutrition
  • Provisions for rest and sleep
  • Parent and community participation
  • Administrative and record-keeping requirements
  • All regularly scheduled staff members will be required to complete both a Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) fingerprint background check (if 18 years or older) and a Child Abuse Record Information (CARI) background check (regardless of age).

If you decide to pursue licensure, please contact the Office of Licensing, Child Care and Youth Residential Licensing if you have any questions.

To become a registered family child care provider:

• Submit an application to the Child Care Resource and Referral Center for your county, along with: two character references; results of a medical examination and tuberculin Mantoux test; disclosures of any criminal convictions; and consent forms for Child Abuse Record Information (CARI) background checks for everyone living or working in your home who is at least 14 years old.
• Attend eight hours of pre-service training given free of charge by the sponsoring organization, which covers: child development; discipline; safety; first aid and emergency procedures; health and sanitation; nutrition; program activities; parent-provider communication; and other important topics.
• Have a home inspection by the sponsoring organization, which includes an examination of the numbers and ages of the children in care, health, safety, program activities, nutrition, supervision, discipline, record-keeping and communication with parents.
• Pay a $25 fee to the sponsoring organization.

For further information, please call the Child Care Resource and Referral Center for your county.

For information about Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) fingerprint background checks for child care centers and youth residential programs, please call the Department of Human Services CHRI unit at 609-633-3761.

For information about funding for children's residential programs, please contact the Division of Child Behavioral Health Services.

For information about business funding resources, please contact the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.

For information about child nutrition programs, please contact the Department of Agriculture, Division of Food and Nutrition.

For information about the Child Care Advisory Council, Map to Inclusive Child Care, Head Start State Collaboration, School Age Child Care, Family Friendly Centers and Abbott Preschool Program, please contact the DHS Office of Early Care and Education.

For information about State regulations for building construction and safety, please contact the Department of Community Affairs

For information about starting a small business, please contact the New Jersey Small Business Centers

For information about business registration and taxes, please contact the Department of the Treasury