Become a Primary Care Giver

Step 1 — Meet the Basic Requirements

• Be at least 21 years old
• Hold a high school diploma or GED
• Reside permanently in the home where care will be provided
• Be a responsible, mature, healthy adult capable of meeting children's needs and complying with licensing requirements

Step 2 — Apply for a License Through OKDHS

• Submit a license application to Oklahoma Human Services (OKDHS) Child Care Services
• All adult household members must pass a background check
• Home must pass a physical inspection by an OKDHS licensing specialist
• Must carry liability insurance for the child care home

License Types — choose based on how many children you plan to care for:

• Family Child Care Home — up to 7 children at one time
• Large Family Child Care Home — 8–12 children at one time (requires an additional qualified caregiver on-site)

Step 3 — Complete Required Preservice Training

The following must be completed before or shortly after receiving a license:

Before caring for children:

• Prevention of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and Safe Sleep Practices
• Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome / Abusive Head Trauma
• Recognition and Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect
• Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases

Within 90 days of receiving license:

• Child Development
• Administration of Medicine
• Prevention of and Response to Allergic Reactions
• Handling and Storage of Hazardous Materials
• Appropriate Precautions in Transportation of Children
• Building and Physical Premises Safety
• Emergency Preparedness and Response Planning

Within 3 months:

• CPR and First Aid — age-appropriate for children in care
  • ChildCareEd offers a First Aid/CPR Blended course — online portion on ChildCareEd, skills check-off completed in person

Within 90 days:

• ELCCT (Entry Level Child Care Training) — completed through CECPD at cecpdonline.org

Step 4 — Get on the OPDL Within 12 Months

Same as center-based staff — primary caregivers must register with the Oklahoma Professional Development Registry (OPDR) at okregistry.org and obtain an OPDL certificate within 12 months of being licensed.

ChildCareEd's OPDL Level 1 Training Bundle provides all 12 hours of CECPD-approved training needed to get on the ladder.

Step 5 — Maintain License Annually

Annual training requirements:

• Primary Caregiver (Licensee): 12 clock hours per year to maintain OPDL Level 1, or 20 hours for Levels 2–11
• Infection control training — required every 12 months (does not count toward annual OPDL hours)
• CPR & First Aid — must remain current

ChildCareEd offers 200+ CECPD-approved courses to meet annual renewal requirements, with hours automatically uploaded to OPDR when your registry ID is linked to your ChildCareEd account.