Childcare - license vs. no license?

Question

What are the pros and cons to getting licensed or not? I'm not personally looking to do this...just always wondered because some people do aquire a license, but some people don't.

Answer 1

Each state is different, but in my state if you have 3 or less children you don't need a license. So that accounts for some of the unlicensed locations. There will always be a certain % who plead ignorant of the need for a license, and the rest don't want to do because of cost or hassle of being inspected etc.

Of course it is always best to be properly licensed. It indicates you have nothing to hide and sets you up as a legitimate operation. Otherwise you are open to questions -

Just remember that a license alone is no substitute for personal inspections at unannounced times. Especially keep an eye out for live-in or transient boyfriends/roomates. There have been way too many child deaths in my state because of boyfriends or overnight visitors.

Answer 2

Think about it. Would you rather send your child somewhere that has been licensed or not? If gives parents more security in knowing the state is monitoring the childcare facility and it has expectations as well as laws to live up to. Some people may not get licensed because its more work and they just want to hurry up with the process. Doesn't neccissarily mean the childcare would be bad, but who wants to take the risk?