First of all, you need to determine where you plan to work.

If you want to work in a center...

There are a few things you can do to get started. You should start out by going to your local health department and getting a TB test, you will need CPR/First Aid training and a few classes from us will also help. After that, we suggest calling the centers closest to where you would like to work to see if they are hiring. Many of them also post ads in the newspaper.

If you are interested in opening a new child care center, contact Crystal Knippers by email at cknippers@weber.edu or by calling 801-626-8083.

If you want to open a family child care business in your home...

• Decide whether to get a family child care license or residential certificate
  Comparison of basic requirements
  Comparison of program eligibility

• Call our local licensing department at 801-525-1400. Ask them for a packet. (If you call after hours, you can leave a message with your name and address. They will send one to you.) In this packet there will be the rules and regulations, a notice of intent and a schedule of the latest licensing orientation sessions.
  
• Attend a licensing orientation. They will instruct you on the licensing process and answer any questions you may have. You will also receive other valuable information at the orientation such as training opportunities, food programs and information on our services.
  

• Check to see what your city requires for a small business license. You can do this while you are waiting to attend the licensing orientation. Anytime you generate income, you need a small business license. It is also required for your state child care license.

• You will also need CPR/First Aid certification, a food handler's permit and a TB test as well as some additional training. We recommend our Basics of Child Care class for anyone starting in the Child Care profession. It covers all of the topics you should be trained in for your license.

• Complete and submit your license application. You will learn the details at the orientation.

• Finally, once you receive your license, contact our agency about our start-up reimbursement grant! Our current funding allows us to reimburse $250 of the costs you incur in the licensing process.

Programs that help when starting a new child care

Start-up Grants
You are eligible to participate in these grants for up to one year of your licensing date. These grants are only available for providers who are obtaining a child care license. Residentially Certified providers are not eligible.

There are two phases to our current Child Care Provider Start-Up Grant
The first phase is a reimbursement. We are currently able to reimburse you for up to $250 of the costs you incur when starting a family child care license. Collect your receipts!
When you participate in this grant, you commit to stay in the business for at least 1 year.

The second phase is $250 of toys and equipment to use in your child care. Contact Crystal 801-626-8083 for more information on this second phase. It involves a home visit where she will review your child care with you and make suggestions as to which items would be best to purchase. You can order the items through our agency or we can reimburse you if you purchase them yourself.
There are two commitments you make when participating in this second phase; first, you need to stay in the business for at least one year, and second you must attend 20 hours of specific child care training. (We will provider you with free vouchers for these classes.)

Food Programs
The Child Care food program is a federally funded program designed to offer aid to help child care homes and centers provide nutritious meals to children ages 12 and under.

Sponsoring organizations are listed below. A provider can initially choose to participate under any sponsor. Each sponsor reimburses at the same rate, however, they offer different perks and benefits. Once you have chosen a sponsor, you cannot transfer to or be contacted by another sponsor for a year.

Sponsoring Organizations in Utah:

INCA 333 2nd St #15 Ogden, UT 84404 801-393-0222 1-800-748-5155 debra.holbrook@y-wire.com	Child Management Associates 124 S 400 E Ste 210 Salt Lake City, Utah 84111-5312 801-973-8627 1-800-223-3317 elaine@cmautah.org	Alliance For Children 4568 S Highland Dr #240 PO Box 575794 Salt Lake City, UT 84117 801-277-0927 1-800-773-4731 afcbart@mindspring.com
Helping Hands Inc. 2964 W 4700 S #210 Salt Lake City, UT 84118 801-955-6234 1-888-982-3663 helping-hands@qwest.net	Hill USDA Food Program 75 MSG/SVYD 5731 "E" Ave, Bldg 460 Hill AFB, UT 84056 801-775-4641 (Hill AFB personnel only) stephanie.hern@hill.af.mil	C&W Incorporated Joni Greenwell 8364 S Top of the World Dr Salt Lake City, UT 84121 801-773-9446 1-877-733-9446 jonigreenwell@comcast.net
Orem Child Care Nutrition Program 563 W 1700 N Orem, UT 84057 801-224-2143 1-800-369-8936 dionisiamara@qwestoffice.net	Child Day Care Nutrition Program Jeanie Peck 6830 Old Main Hill, USU Logan, UT 84322-6830 435-797-2169 1-800-540-2169 jeanie@cpd2.usu.edu