How to Open a Daycare in Oregon

Oregon is a great place to start a childcare business due to its focus on safety, quality, and accessibility in early education. The Child Care Licensing Division that is part of Department of Early Learning and Care oversees licensing for childcare providers, offering resources to ensure providers meet the state's high standards. This guide will help you navigate the process of opening a daycare in Oregon.

Do You Need a Childcare License in Oregon?

Yes, a childcare license is required for most daycare providers in Oregon. The state recognizes three primary types of childcare programs:

• Registered Family (RF): For small, home-based providers caring for up to 10 children (including the provider’s own children under age 6).
• Certified Family (CF): For home-based providers caring for up to 16 children with additional space and training requirements.
• Certified Center (CC) and School-age Center (SC): Larger, non-residential facilities caring for more than 16 children.

Unlicensed care is allowed only for small-scale babysitting arrangements (fewer than three children not related to the provider).

Childcare Licensing Requirements in Oregon

For Registered Family Child Care:

• Age and Residency: Providers must be at least 18 years old and reside in the home where care is provided.
• Background Checks: Providers and all household members 18 years or older must pass a criminal background check.
• Training Requirements:
  • Introduction to Registered Family Child Care course.
  • CPR and First Aid certification.
  • Safe Sleep training.
• Health and Safety Inspections: Homes must pass a health and safety inspection conducted by ELD.

For Certified Family Child Care:

• Age and Residency: Providers must be at least 21 years old and reside in the home where care is provided.
• Additional Requirements:
  • Larger space requirements.
  • Employment of at least one assistant if more than eight children are present.
• Training: Additional coursework, including early childhood education topics.
• Health Inspections: Annual fire and health inspections are mandatory.

For Certified Child Care Centers:

• Directors:
  • Minimum of an associate degree in early childhood education or equivalent.
  • At least one year of childcare experience.
• Staff Requirements:
  • Teachers must meet specific educational qualifications and training standards.
  • Assistants must complete basic childcare training.
• Facility Standards:
  • Must meet fire, zoning, and health code requirements.
  • Adequate space per child, as required by the ELD.
• Staff-to-Child Ratios:
  • Infants: 1:4
  • Toddlers: 1:5
  • Preschoolers: 1:10
  • School-age children: 1:15

Steps to Becoming a Licensed Childcare Provider in Oregon

1. Complete Required Training: Take state-mandated training courses, including CPR, First Aid, and safe sleep practices.
2. Prepare a Business Plan: Outline your daycare’s mission, target audience, and financial goals. Creating a business plan makes it easy to get started.
3. Submit an Application: Apply through the Oregon Early Learning Division Child Care Licensing Portal.
4. Prepare Your Location: Ensure your home or center meets all health, safety, and zoning requirements.
5. Schedule Inspections: Arrange fire, health, and safety inspections as required for your childcare type.
6. Hire Staff (if needed): Recruit qualified staff who meet Oregon’s educational and training requirements. Access a hiring toolkit.
7. Develop a Curriculum: Choose or create a curriculum aligned with early childhood education guidelines. Learn more about evaluating daycare curriculums.
8. Market Your Daycare: Advertise your business to attract families. Extend your reach using these marketing tips.
9. Streamline Enrollment: Implement an efficient enrollment process to manage registrations. Use these tips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a degree to open a daycare in Oregon?

For Registered Family Child Care, a degree is not required. However, directors of Certified Child Care Centers must hold at least an associate degree in early childhood education or a related field.

What certifications do I need to open a daycare in Oregon?

You’ll need CPR, First Aid, and Safe Sleep training, along with any state-mandated orientation courses.

What should I do to make my daycare inclusive?

It's not hard to create an inclusive childcare environment. Focus on creating an environment that accommodates diverse needs, promotes cultural inclusivity, and supports children with disabilities.