Safety First: What Every Parent Should Know About Licensing and Regulations

Licensing agencies typically visit preschools and daycare facilities 3-4 times each year.

When it comes to choosing a child-care program, nothing is more important than your child’s safety and well-being. While curriculum and playgrounds often grab attention, the foundation of a quality child-care program is its compliance with licensing and state regulations.

Understanding what licensing means — and what to look for — empowers you to ask better questions and feel confident about your choice.

Why Licensing Matters

Licensing isn’t just a piece of paper. It’s a sign that a program has met important minimum safety and health standards required by the state. Licensed programs are inspected regularly to ensure they maintain those standards.

Some key protections licensing provides:

• Background checks for all staff.

• Health and safety standards for buildings, classrooms, and playgrounds.

• Child-to-teacher ratios that help keep children safe and cared for, and maximum occupancy for each classroom to keep class sizes appropriate.

• Emergency preparedness plans for fire, weather, or medical situations.

• Regular inspections and documentation that programs must keep on file.

Common Misconceptions

Many parents assume all child-care programs are licensed. In reality, some operate as license-exempt (such as certain religious or small in-home providers), while others try to run without a license and operate under the radar.  Regulations can vary widely from state to state, which is why it is so important to do some research on child care licensing where you live. Many states operate child care licenses under DCF (Department of Children and Families) or individual counties or cities oversee licenses.

Knowing whether a program is licensed — and what that license covers — is one of the most important questions to ask on a tour.

What to Look For When Touring a Facility Regarding Safety

When you visit a potential program, take note of these key things:

1. License Display – A valid license should be posted in a visible location, usually near the entrance or the office.

2. Inspection Reports – Look up the 3-5 most recent inspections for the school before you tour. – Are there any violations listed? Were they resolved promptly?

3. Staff Qualifications & Training – Licensing usually requires certain training in CPR, first aid, and child development. – Ask what’s required and how often staff renew their certifications.

4. Child-to-Teacher Ratios – Proper ratios mean better supervision and safer care.

5. Safety & Emergency Procedures – Are fire exits clearly marked? – Do they practice regular drills? – How are medications handled?

Questions to Ask

Here are a few starter questions to bring with you on a tour:

• Is your program fully licensed by the state?

• How often are you inspected, and by whom?

• Can I see your most recent inspection report?

• What background checks and training do staff complete?

• How do you ensure compliance with health and safety regulations?

• What is your policy if a violation occurs?

(You should also be able to look up inspection reports online ahead of a tour. This way you can go in with questions in mind.)

Red Flags to Watch Out For 

• A program that refuses to show inspection reports.

• High turnover of staff, inconsistent ratios, or children that get bounced around between classrooms.

• Facilities that seem crowded, unclean, or poorly maintained.

• Lack of clear emergency procedures or sign-in/out policies.

A safe environment is the foundation for learning and healthy development.

As a parent, you deserve transparency about how a program is regulated and how it maintains compliance. Don’t be afraid to ask questions — reputable programs will welcome them and be proud to share their safety measures. By understanding licensing and regulations, you’ll feel more confident that your child’s program prioritizes what matters most: their safety, health, and well-being.