State regulations for family child care homes differ. In our attempt to help families find qualified providers, 4C has established these minimum standards. Each provider on our registry has agreed to meet this set of standards and has signed an agreement stating that she/he will uphold them.

1. The provider is at least 18 years of age and has a minimum of six (6) months experience in caring for children (either as a parent or in another context).
2. At the time of application, the provider will submit to 4C a letter signed by a physician attesting that she/he is in good physical and mental health and able, from the physician's perspective, to care for children, and that the provider is free from TB and other communicable diseases. In addition, any other adults in the home who will have regular contact with children will also have physician letters and TB tests. The provider shall keep copies for parent review. 4C may request that the TB Test/Medical letter be updated as needed.
3. The caregiver states that she/he has never been convicted of a felony or child abuse/neglect or found by the courts to be the cause of a child needing protective custody, and that no one residing in the home has had such convictions.
4. The provider agrees not to use physical punishment or harsh discipline in handling behavior problems with children (even if a parent request spanking).
5. The provider agrees to care for no more children than are allowed by state law. (See list of regulations for Ohio).
6. The provider agrees to do a complete home inspection and allow parents to inspect the home for safety precautions. The provider agrees to remove any safety hazards from both the indoor and outdoor premises frequented by the children. The inspection would include, but not be limited to: repairing loose floor boards, removing peeling and/or accessible lead paint, placing all toxic and dangerous substances out of reach of children, removing sharp objects and surfaces, keeping fans out of reach, etc.
7. The provider agrees to take preventative steps to insure the safety of the children in care. This must include installation of smoke and fire detectors, coverage of all electrical outlets, provision of fire extinguishers in kitchen and other appropriate areas, providing flashlights or other emergency lighting, and an emergency evacuation plan (with alternative routes where appropriate).
8. All floors (levels) on which children will be cared for have two (2) exits to the outside.
9. The provider's home is well maintained in compliance with residential building codes.
10. The provider agrees to obtain for each family: 1) a medical release, signed by the parent, to permit emergency medical care; 2) name and phone number of the child's physician; 3) phone number where parent(s) can be reached; 4) names and phone numbers of at least two (2) additional persons authorized by the parent to care for the child in the event of an emergency or illness; 5) the home provider will use 4C forms and have them signed by the parent for the dispensation of any medication, prescription or non-prescription.
11. The provider agrees to have a land line (standard) telephone and posted by that phone have the numbers for fire, police, life squad and poison control, or 911 if appropriate.
12. The provider agrees to have an emergency plan that includes an adult who can be contacted immediately and arrive at the site within minutes. The provider and parent will agree on a plan for substitute care when the provider is sick or unavailable, or experiencing an emergency.
13. The provider agrees that at no time will children be left unattended or in the care of a minor, and will notify parents of any change in care arrangements or substitute providers.
14. The provider agrees to have first aid supplies and is knowledgeable about first aid procedures.
15. The provider states that she/he will use no alcohol or narcotics while caring for children or in a manner to impair her/his ability to care for children nor will anyone who frequents the provider's premises or lives there.
16. The provider agrees not to discriminate against families/children because of sex, sexual orientation, race, creed, national origin or disability.
17. The provider agrees to provide an environment and activities, including materials and toys conducive to the development of all ages of children in care. Activities will be planned and implemented that build children's physical, social, emotional, creative, intellectual, and language development. A daily routine will be planned that incorporates both quiet and active times, and allows for comfortable napping and outdoor activities near the home.
18. The provider agrees to serve well-balanced, nutritious meals in quantities that meet the needs of the children's developmental stages and length of stay in care.
19. The provider agrees to obtain written permission to release child(ren) to anyone other than the custodial parent.
20. The provider agrees to be available for a home visit conducted by the 4C staff.

Local Regulations
Ohio
Providers can care for six or fewer children at one time and be exempt from the licensing law (Type B Family Child Care Home). This includes the provider's own children under six years of age. A provider can care for no more than three children under two years of age.

Group Family Child Care licensure (Type A Family Child Care Home) is for providers caring for seven to 12 children at one time or more than three children under two years of age. This includes the provider's own children under six years of age.