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Step 1: Begin by contacting the Child Care Licensing Division 

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Step 1: Begin by contacting the Child Care Licensing Division 

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If you're considering opening a child care center, your very first step should be contacting the licensing office in your region before purchasing a building. They can help you understand requirements and guide you through important considerations such as zoning and occupancy rating requirements, staffing, indoor and outdoor facilities, required inspections, and the general licensing process. Involving licensing early on can help to avoid unnecessary expenses and pitfalls.

Reveiw the Certified Center Rule Book

Other Resources Available from CCLD

Once you've decided to move forward with a specific building or space, a licensor will schedule an onsite pre-licensing visit and will measure your space to determine capacity and help you identify the best use of your chosen rooms.

Field Office Contacts

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Step 2: Contact your Local CCR&R to get linked to:

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Step 2: Contact your Local CCR&R to get linked to:

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Possible Grant Funding Opportunities

Local Resources (lead testing and cost reimbursement, health department, fire marshal, business registry, SBDC etc..)

Business Planning/forms

Curriculum Ideas

First Aid & CPR Training and more...

Find your Local CCR&R office

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Step 3: Complete Online Background Check for all Staff

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Step 3: Complete Online Background Check for all Staff

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The Child Care Licensing Division (CCLD) requires that anyone who may have unsupervised access to the child care space when children are present be approved through their Central Background Registry (CBR). Even if someone has other background checks, they must go through CCLD’s check.

Go to Central Background Registry for the free online application.

In a few days you should get an email with a letter giving more instructions on how to get your fingerprints done.

The process typically takes a couple of weeks once fingerprints are submitted but no one can start working with children until they are fully enrolled in the CBR.

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FREE Required Online Modules:

https://catalog.pdx.edu/browse/occd

Recognizing & Reporting Child Abuse & Neglect (RRCAN)

Safe Sleep for Oregon’s Infants (if you plan to provide care for children under 12 months of age.)

Foundations for Learning

Intro to Child Care Health & Safety

Food Handler Training

Pediatric First Aid & CPR - Contact your local CCR&R for free or low cost in-person training opportunities in your area.

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Step 5: Complete Required Testing & Inspections

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Step 5: Complete Required Testing & Inspections

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Lead Testing Lead Testing (this is required for any water fixture that will be used for drinking, cooking, or preparing formula bottles.)

Fire Marshal Inspection Fire Marshal Inspection (use the state fire marshal website to request an inspection)

County Health Department Inspection County Health Department Inspection (your licensing specialist will give you the correct form to use to request a visit.)

You will learn more about these requirements during your pre-licensing visit with a CCLD licensing specialist.

Get in touch with your CCR&R for guidance on local contacts and cost reimbursement for lead testing

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You will have received an application packet from your licensing specialist through the Child Care Licensing Division.

Your complete application should include:

Copies of your lead test results

Floor Plan

Signed Application and Fee

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After reviewing and approving your application, your licensing specialist will schedule an initial inspection visit to see your center set up and ready to receive children. During this visit the licensing specialist will ensure that the environment is a safe and healthy place for children to be cared for. If there are no serious concerns, a temporary license will be issued to allow you to start caring for children.

Once you have children in care your licensing specialist will return for another visit to ensure the children and staff are interacting in a safe and healthy way with each other and the environment that was already approved.

Successful completion of both of these visits will result in an annual license being issued through the Child Care Licensing Division.

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Step 8: Final Inspection & 1 Year Licensure

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Step 8: Final Inspection & 1 Year Licensure

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Once you have children in care your licensing specialist will return for another visit to ensure the children and staff are interacting in a safe and healthy way with each other and the environment that was already approved.

Successful completion of both of these visits will result in an annual license being issued through the Child Care Licensing Division. Centers must renew annually, with at least *15 hours of staff training and current Central Background Registry status (renewed every 5 years) as well as Pediatric First Aid/CPR certification (renewed every 2 years), and a food handlers certification for staff who handle food or bottles.

Contact your local CCR&R to find training available in your area and to answer any questions you may have about the types of training required.

*More details on types of training required for staff.

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There are additional programs that you can choose to participate in as a Child Care Center:

Accepting Subsidized Child Care Payments - many families receive assistance to pay for child care through Employment Related Day Care (ERDC). In order to receive these payments, you must be a listed provider. Learn more about becoming listed.

Participating in the USDA Food Program - as a licensed child care provider, you are required to follow USDA food guidelines, but you can also be reimbursed for the meals you serve if you participate in the food program. Learn more.

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Through dedication and commitment, you’ve earned your child care license. What an incredible service you’re offering to children and families in your community! This is just the beginning of your early learning journey...

The state of Oregon has many pathways to help you provide the best care possible through programs like:

Oregon Registry - an education recognition program

Support to keep children in care (Every Child Belongs)

Oregon SPARK - Star Quality Improvement Cycles

Not sure where to start? Give your local CCR&R office a call to get started and learn about what programs are available through their services and in your community. We are your early learning partner!

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You’ve cleared the biggest hurdle—earning your initial license! Now it’s time to focus on ongoing professional development for you and your staff. Your local CCR&R team is here to partner with you in accessing high-quality training that supports excellent care and ensures you meet state requirements. We can connect you to a wide range of learning opportunities and look forward to working alongside you, providing technical assistance every step of the way.

Focused Child Care Networks

Partnerships with Community Colleges to earn an ECE degree through scholarships (in some areas)

Conferences

Local in-person trainings & access to free online training

Connection to Scholarships, Loans & Grants

Technical Assistance & Business Coaching

Reach out to your local CCR&R office at any point in your early care and education journey to connect with experienced professionals who can support and guide you every step of the way.