How to Start a Daycare in Pennsylvania - post

A clear, step-by-step guide for future childcare providers

Starting a #daycare in Pennsylvania can be an exciting and rewarding venture. You’ll #play a vital role in supporting families, helping young children grow, and building a business that fits your goals and values. But before you open your doors, you must understand and meet state licensing requirements, complete training, and plan for success.

Below is an easy-to-follow guide that walks you through the process from inspiration to opening day — and beyond.

1. Understand Pennsylvania Childcare Licensing

In Pennsylvania, you must be certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) to legally operate a daycare for four or more unrelated children. This certification is commonly known as a Certificate of Compliance and applies to three main types of programs:

• Child Care Center: Facility caring for 7 or more unrelated children.

• Group Child Care Home: Facility caring for 7-12 children (or older school-age children up to age 15).

• Family Child Care Home: Care provided in your own #home for 4-6 unrelated children. 

Each type has unique rules and requirements, but all must obtain a Certificate of Compliance before operating.

Licensing is overseen by Pennsylvania’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), part of the DHS.

2. Decide What Kind of Daycare You Want to Open

Before you start, consider your business model:

Types of Daycare

• Family Child Care Home – Ideal for home-based providers caring for a small group.

• Group Child Care Home – A larger home-based option for slightly more children.

• Child Care Center – A stand-alone facility offering more structured programs for many children.

Each has different space, #staffing, and operational requirements. Think about your goals, space, and available resources before you choose.

3. Create a Solid Business Plan

A business plan helps guide you through your first years of operation and may be required if you seek loans or investors.

Your plan should include:

• Program vision and mission

• Target families and competitive market analysis

• Pricing and fee structure

• Operating hours and curriculum highlights

• Staffing plans and required certifications

• Projected budget and start-up costs

• Marketing strategy (how you’ll let families know you’re open)

4. Complete Required Training & Certifications

Pennsylvania requires that all prospective childcare providers complete orientation training before operating a program. You must attend both:

• An online orientation module, and

• An in-person orientation session conducted by your Regional OCDEL office. 

These sessions explain licensing requirements, regulations, operating standards, staffing, and #safety. The online certificate is valid for one year, so plan your application timeline accordingly. 

👉 Training Resource:
Consider enhancing your skills with an online course like ChildCareEd’s “24-Hour Family Child Care Pre-Service Training” — perfect for building professional knowledge even beyond the required DHS orientation.

While some core Pennsylvania pre-service training topics must be completed through state-approved providers, additional supportive training from ChildCareEd can help you exceed minimum standards and strengthen your program. 

5. Gather Clearances & Background Checks

Before you submit a licensing application, you and all staff must complete required clearances:

• Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance

• State Police Criminal Record Check

• FBI Criminal Background Check (with fingerprinting)

You also may need additional mandated reporter training and annual continuing education requirements for licensed staff.

Clearances help ensure children are safe and protected, and they must be current before your facility is approved.

6. Choose a Location and Get Approvals

Where you operate matters:

For Family Child Care Homes

• Your home must be zoned for childcare, which often means checking municipal zoning rules.

• Some areas require a use permit or certificate of occupancy before you can operate. 

For Centers or Group Homes

• You must secure appropriate commercial or residential zoning compliance.

• You may also need inspections from fire and #health departments to meet safety standards.

Taking time to verify zoning and occupancy rules #early can prevent costly #delays.

7. Submit Your License Application

Once your training, clearances, and location requirements are complete, you can submit your application to the OCDEL regional certification office.

Your application package typically includes:

• Completed application forms (including Form PW 633)

• Certificate of occupancy or zoning approval

• Clearances and training certificates

• Business documentation (e.g., Articles of Incorporation for centers)

• Civil Rights compliance documents

• Disclosure and legal entity forms

After submitting, a regional reviewer will contact you and may schedule an inspection. 

Once your facility meets all standards and passes inspection, you will receive your Certificate of Compliance and can begin operating!

8. Prepare for Ongoing Compliance

Getting licensed is just the start. Once you open:

• Renew your license annually

• Stay current with health & safety training

• Be prepared for periodic inspections

• Maintain clear and current documentation

Staying compliant keeps children safe and protects your business.

9. Helpful Tools and Resources

Free Resources & Guides

Explore templates, activities, and tools to support your daycare at ChildCareEd

Informative Articles

Want more childcare business insights? Check out helpful articles on childcare best practices at ChildCareEd

Follow for Tips & Inspiration

Stay connected with updates, ideas, and community on social media

Tips for Success

Here are some practical tips for building a strong daycare:

• Build a safe, engaging environment: Create areas for play, learning, rest, and meals.

• Communicate well with families: Clear communication builds trust and supports retention.

• Invest in staff #development: Well-trained staff improves care quality and satisfaction.

• Market your business effectively: Use social media, local events, and word-of-mouth.

Final Thoughts

Starting a daycare in Pennsylvania requires careful planning, meeting regulatory requirements, and a passion for caring for children. By understanding licensing steps, completing training, securing clearances, and building a thoughtful business plan, you’ll be well on your way to opening a successful and compliant childcare program.