Organize the work. Follow your state’s order.

Choose the state and county where care will be provided

Confirm the provider type: licensed, registered, certified, or legally exempt

Identify the official licensing office or state contact

Request the current orientation and application packet

Write down the state’s required order before paying for training or home changes

List every required identity, education, health, reference, and household document

Complete only the training approved for this provider type

Save each training certificate in one folder

Confirm which documents and training certificates must be turned in together

Copy the complete packet before submitting it

Confirm which caregivers, substitutes, employees, and household members need checks

Wait for instructions before scheduling fingerprints

Use only the fingerprint location or process approved by the state

Track forms, appointments, receipts, and follow-up requests

Review the current rules for exits, alarms, care areas, sleep, outdoor space, and supervision

Prepare written emergency, evacuation, illness, medication, and safe-sleep procedures

Confirm whether fire, zoning, health, well, septic, radon, or lead testing applies

Review pets, pools, trampolines, fireplaces, firearms, and other household risks

Keep test reports, approvals, receipts, and inspection records together

Ask whether the state requires liability insurance or specific proof

Tell the homeowner or renter insurer about the planned daycare

Confirm the policy’s covered child capacity and whether the provider’s own children count

Compare exclusions, limits, deductible, employees, transportation, and activities

Keep written proof of coverage and the renewal date

Set up income, expense, receipt, attendance, meal, mileage, and time-space records

Explore CACFP and child-care assistance provider participation

Create the parent contract, handbook, enrollment forms, and payment process

Confirm the approved capacity, ages, care areas, hours, and operating conditions

Wait for final written approval before operating when approval is required