Skip Global navigation and goto content
Left navigation requires javascript to be enabled in your browser.

Child Care Licensing

Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County, Child Care Licensing



pclb header with logo

Family Child Care Homes 

ATTENTION LICENSING APPLICANTS

STEPS TO BECOMING A LICENSED FAMILY DAY CARE HOME PROVIDER

Pinellas County License Board - Regulations require you to attend Prospective Provider Training in order to become a licensed Family Child Care Home Provider.

Thank you for your interest in becoming a licensed Family Day Care Home provider. The following items are required prior to receiving an application:

Step #1 Prospective Provider Training

Pinellas County Licensing Board Regulations require you to attend Prospective Provider Training in order to begin the journey to becoming a licensed home child care provider.

You may find the current schedule at:  https://pinellas.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/environmental-health/pclb/training/index.html

Please call 727-507-4857 to register for a class.  Cost of the class is $25.

When you attend the Prospective Provider Training Class, forms will be provided. You may also go to our website www.pclb.org  under ‘Family Child Care Homes Forms’ to download your own copies.

We also suggest you take this FREE course offered by DCF about what is involved and expected when opening a home day care: https://www.myflfamilies.com

Step #2 Background Screening

In the Prospective Provider Training Class, the steps on how to register in the Clearinghouse and how to initiate a screening will be reviewed.

Social Security Numbers:
The Child Care Licensing Program collects the Social Security numbers of providers and their household members, employees, and substitutes for the purpose of conducting state mandated level II background screenings (Chapter 435 Florida Statutes), a requirement of child care licensure. Social Security numbers are used as a unique numeric identifier for search purposes.

Once you have completed the Prospective Provider training, you may request an OCA number from the Homes Child Care Supervisor.  You will then follow the instructions provided in the Prospective Provider training to register in the DCF clearinghouse. Once you have successfully registered, and have the necessary paperwork, you may then go to a Live Scan Vendor to be fingerprinted.

You will need to check the Clearinghouse for your results and then forward them to our office.

All other forms listed here must be supplied to our office filled out in entirety:

Central Abuse Hotline Record Search (1651)– Return one completed form that includes the following persons – applicant and all persons in the household regardless of age. Complete both sides of the form excluding sections: “To be completed by requesting agency” and ‘Results”.

Request for FDLE Criminal History Information (Delinquency Screening)–All minors ages 12-17 years old in the home will need to be screened. Go to this link and use ORI number FL721911Z.  The cost is $8.00 per person

Attestation of Good Moral Character–Return one completed form per person for each of the following persons –applicant, substitute, and each person in the household 18 years of age and older.

Employment History– Both applicant and substitute must complete and return an Employment History Form listing all employers for the past 5 years.  If the applicant or substitute has been unemployed or self-employed, check the appropriate box and note dates.

An Employer Verification Form must also be submitted.  The provider and substitute each complete the top portion sign.  The prospective provider will submit this to CCLP.  Our office will submit them to be completed by employer.  Please be sure the address and phone number are complete on the Verification of Employment History form.  The prospective provider will need to do this for their substitutes.

Step #3 Training and Forms

Applicant and Substitute Training:

It is imperative that you and your substitute complete the following required training. Keep at least two copies of all training documentation in your child care business file.  To register for a course, call the Pinellas County Schools Training Office at 727-588-6343 or visit myflfamilies.com/services/child-family/child-care/training-and-credentialing

  • 30-Clock Hour Family Child Care Home Training– Applicant must complete the training. Transcripts are available online.
    • Request your substitute take the following appropriate training: 30-clock-hour Family Child Care Home training if working 40 hours or more a month.
    • OR the six (6) clock hour Family Child Care Home Rules and Regulations training if working less than 40 hours a month.
  • Early Literacy and Language Development Training – Applicant must complete 5-clock-hours or .5 Continuing Education Units (CEU) of training in early literacy and language development of children birth through 5-years of age. 
    • If your substitute will work 40 hours or more a month, he/she must take the 5-clock-hour Early Literacy course. Transcripts are available online.
  • Infant/Child CPR– Applicant and substitute must complete the training. This training is not allowed to be completed online and must be taken from a certified instructor.
  • First Aid Applicant and substitute must take this class. 
  • Fire Extinguisher Training: available at http://www.fireextinguishertraining.com/index.html
  • Safe Sleep/Shaken Baby Training: available at myfamilies.com or www.earlylearningflorida.com
  • Plan of Operation & Plan of Evacuation: available at pclb.org under “Family Child Care Homes Forms”
  • Pool Safety Course is required of provider and substitute if your home has a pool.

When the completed packet has been received, requirements have been met, you will be sent an application.  Once your application and fee are returned, and a specialist has inspected and approved your home, a Temporary Permit will be issued. If all requirements continue to be met, a license will then be issued. The license is renewable annually.