Become a DES-Certified Family Child Care Provider and Own Your Business!
By Jamie Horton
Have you been searching for a job that allows you to stay home and care for your children while earning extra income for your family? Becoming a certified child care provider is an opportunity to leverage your caregiving skills, earn extra money and make a meaningful difference for kids and families in your community – not to mention own your own business!
At the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES), we recognize the invaluable skills and patience that parents possess, and we invite you to consider becoming a certified family child care provider.
Meeting the Growing Need for Child Care Providers in Arizona
Across the U.S., the demand for quality child care is on the rise. Parents are seeking reliable, flexible and nurturing environments for children while they work. To help answer this need, DES is building a robust network of family child care providers to give parents the option of a nurturing home environment for their children. These child care providers can receive compensation for caring for up to four children in their own home.
Children who are sensory sensitive or immunocompromised may thrive in a smaller, home setting. With a home child care provider, these children benefit from a consistent caregiver, a smaller group size and more one-on-one attention to help meet their specific needs. Of course, this is also true for kids who do not have special needs.
The Benefits of Becoming a Certified Family Child Care Provider
Parents across Arizona have found great fulfillment in operating a family child care out of their homes. Not only can you own your own business, but you have the opportunity to create a work environment that suits your needs. You can set your daily hours, schedule holidays and more, which allows you to balance work and personal life effectively.
Additionally, meeting state standards for health, safety and quality gives parents an added sense of security and assures them you provide a good option for child care.
In addition to the personal rewards of nurturing and molding children, you’ll receive continuous support from a dedicated DES staff member who is committed to your success. This ongoing assistance ensures you are well-prepared and confident in your role.
DES offers free, quality professional development training opportunities to help you improve and grow your business. This ongoing education allows you to stay updated with the best practices in child care while enhancing the level of service you provide.
The fulfillment that comes from making a difference in your community is unmatched. By ensuring that working parents have a safe place where their children can learn and grow, you become a cornerstone of support in your neighborhood.
Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Certified Family Child Care Provider
The process of becoming a certified family child care provider might seem overwhelming, but DES is here to support you every step of the way. This simple guide will give you a good sense of the process.
Step 1: Getting Started
Visit AZFamilyChildCare.com
Begin your journey by visiting AZFamilyChildCare.com, where you can learn more about becoming a provider. Watch the pre-application video and complete the pre-application form.
Watch the Orientation Video
Once DES has received and reviewed your pre-application, you’ll receive an email with a link to an orientation video. This video provides a detailed explanation of a family child care provider’s role and requirements. It delves into safety requirements, what’s involved in starting your home-based child care program and how to determine if this field is right for you. After you’ve watched the video, you will submit a quick questionnaire to confirm you’re ready to proceed.
Step 2: Completing the Application
Complete Part I of the Application
Once DES receives your questionnaire, Part I of the application will be sent to you. Here, you will provide basic information about you and your household members.
Introductory Call with Your Surveyor
After completing Part I of the application, DES will assign you a certification surveyor to support you throughout the onboarding process. Your surveyor will schedule an introductory phone call to discuss the certification process, answer any questions you may have and talk through the next steps.
Meeting with your Surveyor
You will receive a packet in the mail. Your surveyor will schedule an in-person meeting at your home, DES office or another convenient location, and will provide any assistance you may need in completing the forms.
Step 3: Finalizing Certification
Home Consultation
Next comes the home consultation. Your surveyor will visit your home to conduct a safety inspection and discuss any necessary updates or repairs. This typically includes simple things like capping electrical outlets, locking away sharp objects and cleaning supplies, and installing door knobs with locks and keys. DES may provide reimbursement for compliance-related expenses.
Final Inspection and Certification
Once you’ve completed any needed updates to your home, your surveyor will visit one last time to ensure your house is in compliance and that it is a safe and welcoming environment for children. Your surveyor will also provide you with the required forms for your child care business such as sign-in and sign-out sheets and forms for the children’s files.
Ongoing Support
Once certified, you will be assigned a new surveyor who will serve as your ongoing point-of-contact. In addition to providing continual support, this surveyor will point you to community resources and other opportunities and supports that will help your business succeed.
Taking the First Step
Becoming a certified family child care provider with DES offers numerous benefits and allows you to make a significant impact in your community. Start today by visiting AZFamilyChildCare.com.
Callout Box: Eligibility Requirements for Certified Family Child Care Providers
- 18+
- Background check for provider and all household members 18+
- Fingerprint clearance card for provider and all household members 18+
- Current immunization records for provider and family members age 13 and younger
- Current proof of freedom from tuberculosis for provider and household members
- Child care liability insurance
- Three personal or professional references
- A safe, healthy, and child-friendly home environment
Jamie Horton is a State Licensing Surveyor Supervisor with AZ Department of Economic Security. The Department of Economic Security is responsible for contracting with and certifying child care providers to receive reimbursement for providing services to children authorized for child care assistance and private pay children.