Child care provider playing with several children

Roadmap

Business, baby! Here we come.

So you’ve got the skills. You’ve got the time. And with Growing Care here to help, you’ve got the roadmap to make it work. Get the info you need to start or grow your business, plus a whole network of supportive experts. Together, we can boost your income and make Oregon a better place, at the same time—because Oregon works when child care works.

  • Step 1: Reach out

    Contact Growing Care to begin your child care journey. We’ll answer your questions and walk you through.

  • Step 2: Get ready

    Decide which age group you want to serve. Think about your space. Start working on your licensing checklist.

  • Step 3: Get licensed

    If you’re motivated, you can do this in as little as six weeks. Meanwhile, we’ll help with training, grants, and coaching.

Is this for me?

If you’ve been running your child care business for a while and you’re still unlicensed, you may have some nerves about taking that next step. Understandable. But getting licensed is easier than you’d think—it may not even require any changes to your current setup!

Thinking about starting your business for the first time? We are here to walk you through. Let’s get there, together.

A toddler plays on playground equipment with an adult

Licensing checklist

You’re age 18 or older, you’re enrolled in the Central Background Registry, and everyone age 18 and older who lives with you, visits frequently, or provides substitute care has been background-checked

✔

Your business is located in your home, your drinking water has no lead (testing is free), and the Office of Child Care has conducted a health and safety review of your premises.

✔

You’ve completed your trainings and certifications (all free through Growing Care!)

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The children in your care have access to at least one flush toilet, one hand-washing sink, and two useable exits (including windows) on each floor they use

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You’re caring for no more than 10 children at any one time, with no more than six children of preschool age or younger, no more than two children under 24 months, and no children younger than six weeks

✔

Two kids and a woman play with wooden blocks

Have questions?

Find out how to start your family child care business.

Ready to get started?

We’ll point you to the resources that are right for you.