The information provided on this page is a basic outline of Oregon Child Care requirements that pertain to the design and construction of Child Care Facilities in the State of Oregon. This information is a brief synopsis and does not include all of the detailed requirements needed to satisfy the governing authorities for Child Care Licensing, Building Code, Fire Code, Accessibility, or local Zoning. These guidelines are for general information and planning purposes. Contact the governing authority directly or engage a Licensed Architect to complete a full analysis of your school location.

OREGON Child Care Licensing Requirements

Child Care license obtained from:

Oregon Department of Education Early Learning Division

875 Union St. PO Box 14050, Salem, OR 97311

https://oregonearlylearning.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/CC-Rule-Book.pdf

(503) 947-1400

License renewal is required once a year.

Indoor Space Requirements: 35 sf per child

Outdoor Space Requirements: 75 sf per child

• There will be an outdoor activity area that the children can reach safely.
• Outdoor activity area must be suitably surfaced, well-drained, free from litter, and be able to equipped to provide age-appropriate activities.
• The outdoor activity area serving children, not yet attending kindergarten, must be enclosed by a barrier that is at least 4 feet tall (fence, wall, or building).

Building Code Requirements

CHILD FIXTURES	ADULT FIXTURES	DRINKING FOUNTAINS	MOP SINK	BATH TUB/ SHOWER
1: 15	1:50	1:100	1	1
2014 Structural Specialty Code

Fire Code Requirements

Did you know . . .

	Candles or other open flame decorative devices are not allowed. (except for the brief use of celebratory candles).		There must be at least one bathtub or shower for every 15 children.		There must be a written discipline policy.

To access Oregon Child Care requirements along with other states please see our interactive Child Care Requirements US map here.

Research completed by Calbert Design Group, LLC.  Updated 2019

Oregon Childcare Licensing Process

You’re on the precipice of a rewarding journey toward a fulfilling career as a childcare provider in the Beaver State. “The Ultimate Guide: How to Get a Childcare Provider License in Oregon” lays out the essentials, step-by-step, of this life-changing quest. It’s as if you’re about to embark on an expedition to the peak of Mount Hood, but instead of climbing gear or maps, you’ll be equipping yourself with the knowledge and insights to clear the path and successfully obtain your childcare provider license.

Let this guide be your compass, navigating through the complexities and requirements with ease, cementing your place in Oregon’s vibrant childcare community.

Understanding the Importance of a Childcare Provider License

Operating a childcare provider service is a responsibility that is not suitable for everyone. It involves creating a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment to promote the physical, social, and emotional development of young children. This is where the importance of a childcare provider license steps in.

Legal requirements in Oregon

In the state of Oregon, acquiring a Childcare Provider License is a legal requirement for all individuals or organizations that intend to care for children from different families on a regular basis. It’s a law enforcement strategy designed to protect the welfare of children and ensure that childcare providers adhere to recognized standards.

Public trust and confidence

Having a license can serve as a proof of credibility and professionalism. It gives parents and guardians the confidence that their children are in safe and capable hands. It assures them that the individuals taking care of their children have passed the required checks and have met the requisite training standards.

Competitive advantage in the childcare industry

Moreover, a license can provide a competitive advantage in the childcare sector. Given the choice between a licensed and an unlicensed provider, most parents would choose the former. A license signifies that you are serious about your work and that you have passed the rigorous process to be legally recognized by the state.

Eligibility Criteria for a Childcare Provider License in Oregon

Before you can apply for a Childcare Provider License in Oregon, you need to meet certain eligibility criteria.

Minimum age requirement

First, you should be at least 18 years old. This is to ensure that you are mature and responsible enough to handle the daycare needs of young children.

Criminal background check

Furthermore, you must pass a criminal background check. This is because having a past criminal record, especially related to violence or child endangerment, might make you a risk for the children that you will be taking care of.

Physical health and mental stability

Good physical health and mental stability are another critical requirement in childcare provision. This is fundamentally because caring for multiple young children at a time can be physically and emotionally demanding.

Educational qualifications

Also, Oregon law requires you to have some educational qualifications before you can become a licensed childcare provider. For instance, if you’re applying to become an Registered Family Childcare provider, you should have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Types of Childcare Provider Licenses in Oregon

In Oregon, there are different child care provider licenses that you can apply for, depending on your situation and the type of childcare service you want to provide.

Registered Family Childcare license

A registered family childcare license allows you to take care of up to 10 children in your own home, with the exact number depending on the ages of the children.

Certified Family Childcare license

A certified family childcare license permits you to provide childcare services in your home to 12 or fewer children. However, this might require you to meet additional requirements, such as owning certain equipment and having documented policies and procedures.

Certified Childcare Center license

A certified childcare center license allows you to operate a childcare center where you can care for 13 or more children.

Steps to Apply for a Childcare Provider License

Once you have determined that you meet all the eligibility criteria and you have decided the type of license you want to apply for, you can undertake the following steps:

Filling out an application form

The first step is to fill out an application form provided by the Child Care Division of the Oregon Department of Human Services.

Submitting necessary identities and certificates

Next, you need to submit copies of your identification document, like a driver’s license or passport, and necessary certificates such as your high school diploma or GED.

Orientation attendance

After completing your application, you will be required to attend an orientation session where you will be introduced to the rules and regulations governing childcare provision in Oregon.

Payment of application fees

Lastly, you will be required to pay application fees which will cover the cost of processing your license application.

Preparing for the Licensing Inspection

After you have applied for a license, you will need to prepare for a licensing inspection.

Safety measures in place

This involves ensuring that there are safety measures in place in your home or childcare facility, like fire extinguishers and first-aid kits.

Reviewing Oregon’s childcare rules and regulations

You should thoroughly review Oregon’s childcare rules and regulations before the inspection, to make sure that you are in compliance.

Proper documentation and record-keeping

Another important preparation step is ensuring that you have proper documentation and record-keeping mechanisms in place, like health and immunization records for the children you are caring for.

Ensuring appropriate child-staff ratios

Finally, make sure that you adhere to the appropriate child-staff ratios stated by Oregon’s childcare licensing rules.

Understanding the Background Check Process

Aside from fulfilling all these requirements and steps, you should also understand the background check process.

Fingerprinting

It begins with the submission of your fingerprints, which will be used to conduct a thorough criminal history check.

Submission of personal details

Your personal details are submitted to the local law enforcement agencies and the FBI for vetting.

Interim results and final decision from the Criminal History Registry

The Criminal History Registry, the body in charge of background checks, will provide interim results while waiting for the complete reports. The final decision regarding your background check and how it impacts your licensure will come from the Registry.

Licenses Renewal Process

Once you possess a Childcare Provider License, it’s important to keep track of when it’s due for renewal.

Duration of validity of licenses

Normally, licenses are valid for two years.

Renewal notification

The state of Oregon sends renewal notifications, which come with instructions about steps you should take to renew your license.

Renewal fees

Renewal requires payment of fees that are usually less than the initial application fees.

Late renewal consequences

There are consequences for late renewal, including fines and possible suspension or revocation of your license.

Training Requirements for a Childcare Provider License

The process of obtaining a Childcare Provider License in Oregon includes various training requirements.

Standard first aid and CPR

License applicants must carry current cards showing they have received training in standard first aid and infant and child CPR.

Child abuse reporting

Training in child abuse reporting is another requirement.

‘Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse & Neglect’ course

License applicants also need to complete a course on recognizing and reporting child abuse & neglect.

Food handlers training

Finally, training in safe food handling practices is necessary.

Roles and Responsibilities of a Licensed Childcare Provider

Once you are a licensed childcare provider, you have key responsibilities that you must fulfill.

Ensuring children’s safety and welfare

Your main role is ensuring the safety and welfare of the children under your care. This includes providing a safe environment, feeding them properly, and taking care of their health and hygiene.

Maintaining a clean and healthy environment

You should maintain a clean and healthy environment which is conducive for the growth and development of children.

Communicating with parents

Regularly communicating with parents and guardians to update them about the progress and well-being of their children is a critical role.

Developmental activities planning

You should plan appropriate developmental activities for the children, which stimulate their learning and growth.

Common Reasons for License Denial or Revocation

While the goal is to maintain your license once obtained, there are circumstances that can lead to its denial or revocation.

Violation of childcare regulations

If you violate any of the rules and regulations set by the Child Care Division of the Oregon Department of Human Services, your license can be revoked.

Any form of child abuse or neglect

Any form of child abuse or neglect is a serious offense that can lead to license revocation.

Drug or alcohol issues

Having drug or alcohol issues, even when not at work, can lead to a denial or revocation of your license.

False information in application

Submitting false information during the application process is a serious misstep that can result in license denial or revocation. You should always provide accurate and honest information when applying for a Childcare Provider License.

Finally, remember that getting a childcare provider license in Oregon is a journey that requires serious commitment, but completing the process successfully will open the doors to an incredibly rewarding profession. As you guide and watch children grow and prosper, you’ll understand that all your hard work was worth it.