Pinellas County licenses and regulates over 400 children’s centers. These centers provide early care, education, and activities to children 2 months of age through school-age children. Children may be in attendance each day for up to 12 hours. Overnight care is not permitted in Pinellas County children’s centers; however, a family child care home can provide that service. Unique to Pinellas County, children’s centers are regulated by category which includes:
- A day nursery or a day nursery that is licensed as a drop-in care center, indoor recreational facility, or teenage parenting program
- Nursery school
- School-age center
- Center that is religiously exempt from licensure
- Non-public pre-kindergarten program
How to Open a Children’s Center
To open a children’s center, call 727-507-4857. We provide technical assistance through individual conferences, on-site inspections, and written materials.
Children’s Center Forms
The following forms are set up in Adobe format. You may complete them online and print them out. Many of the lines on the forms are set to auto font, which means the font will adjust to the number of characters you type on each line. If the tab does not work, simply point and click on the next line to move your cursor.
If you have any questions, please call 727-507-4857.
Application Process Forms
| Forms | Number | Revised |
| Building Certificate of Approval | C-0109 | 3/13 |
| Certificado de Autorizacion-Edificio | C-0109-S | 11-18 |
| Building, Electrical, Fire Certificate of Approval | C-0112 | 3/13 |
| Change of Ownership Agreement | C-0004 | 3/13 |
| Clearinghouse Renewals FAQ | C-0004 | 3/13 |
| Electrical Certificate of Approval | C-0111 | 3/13 |
| Fire Certificate of Approval | C-0110 | 3/13 |
| Plan for Evacuation and Care of Children during Emergencies and Disasters | C-5201 | 1/19 |
| Plan Of Operation | C-0041 | 8/21 |
| Plan Of Operations For Infant Care | C-0127 | 6/22 |
| Rilya Wilson Act | ||
| Staff Roster | C-0039 | 4/22 |
| Request for Preliminary Site Inspection | 9/21 |
Children’s Records Forms
Facility Records Forms
| Forms | Number | Revised |
| Center Closing Log | C-0083 | 8/2011 |
| Diapering Practices | FC-2021 | 2/2021 |
| Transportation Log | C-0013 | 4/2018 |
| Fire Drill-Evacuation Record | FC-0074 | 4/2022 |
| Medication Record and Parent Authorization | C-0076 | 4/2018 |
| Indoor/Outdoor Maintenance Inspection | FC-0076 | 4/2023 |
| Physical Examination Form for Driver Applicant | C-0078 | 8/2011 |
| Plan for Reporting and Managing Incidents | C-5204 | 4/2018 |
| Record of Accidents and Incidents | C-0064 | 10/2018 |
| Vehicle Inspection | C-0077 | 7/2022 |
| Hand Washing Fact Sheet | ||
| Breast Milk Storage | 4/2018 | |
| Guidelines for Powdered Formula | 4/2018 |
Personnel Record Forms
| Forms | Number | Revised |
| Attestation of Good Moral Character | CF-1649 | 08/24 |
| Central Abuse Hotline Record Search Form is to be completed only by directors and owners | CF-1651 | 11/08 |
| Child Care In-Service Training Record | C-0108 | 10/13 |
| Child Care Personnel Requirements | C-0102 | 07/24 |
| Employee File Checklist | C-0119 | 04/18 |
| Employment Application | C-0046 | 11/23 |
| Owners/Directors Employment History | C-0020 | 10/13 |
| Personnel Form | C-0050 | 07/24 |
| Volunteer Acknowledgement Form | FC-0072 | 10/13 |
| Worksheet for Evaluation of Educational Documentation | C-0071 | 08/11 |
Training for Early Childhood Professionals
Resources for Families
The Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas County provides child care resources and referral services to families. To access these services, call 727-400-4411 or visit their website.