Table of Contents
A Licensing Status statement clarifies whether an early learning program operates under a state license, exemption, or alternative regulatory framework, ensuring transparency with families, staff, and regulators. A clear and concise Licensing Status statement helps establish trust and sets expectations for compliance, safety, and quality.
Purpose
This statement should:
- Inform—Let people know your licensing status.
Where To Include
At Playvolution HQ, we recommend using the Three Handbook Method and adding this policy to your Operating Handbook.
Licensing Status Considerations
When crafting a Licensing Status statement, consider the following:
- Keep It Simple—Share your program’s licensing status.
- License Location—If licensed, share where the license is displayed.
- Regulatory Agency—Name the organization responsible for confirming your licensing status.
- Share Regulations—Inform readers how to obtain a copy of the regulations governing your program.
- Maximum Enrollment—Consider including the maximum number of children the program can have in care.
Real-World Policies
NOTE: The following samples are real-world examples relating to this post’s topic and are provided as a reference for creating your own policies and procedures. Sharing them here is not a recommendation of their content.
This post is intended to spark reflection and suggest ways of addressing the topic covered when writing or updating policies and procedures. Your policies and procedures should be written to meet your program’s needs and unique circumstances.
Browse More Policy & Procedure Resources Here
Example 1
LilyPad is a public program voluntarily licensed to serve 112 children by the Iowa Department of Human Services. A copy of the licensing rules is available for review in the office, the staff break room, and on the web http://www.dhs.state.ia.us. (0060)
Example 2
My Wonderworld Family Daycare is licensed and complies with all applicable licensing regulations and standards. These standards relate to our home, staff, health, safety procedures, nutrition, care giver to child ratios, and record keeping. We believe that these standards are in the best interest of the children. Our home is subject to inspection by state, and city health, fire, and licensing officials. (0029)
Example 3
Mountaintop Childcare is licensed for 40 children. (0073)
Example 4
The Learning Station is licensed and regulated by Bright from the Start: GA Department of Early Care and Learning. Annual unannounced inspections of the center are conducted to ensure all state standards, policies and procedures are met. A copy of the state rules and regulations alone with and a copy of our most recent licensing review are available in the front office. We also participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). (0103)
Sample Statement
This sample statement for the fictitious Playvolution Child Care Institute incorporates the above considerations. It is only intended as a guideline. Your policy and procedures relating to this topic should be unique to your program.
Licensing Statement
Our License Exempt program can serve up to 7 children per the State of Confusion’s 2025 child care licensing guidelines. Copies of those guidelines are available upon request. A certificate showing this status is posted outside the Director’s office.
Notes
Here are related resources:
- Licensed Child Care
- Regulated Child Care
- Unregulated Child Care
- Kith And Kin Child Care
- After-School Child Care
- Center-Based Child Care
- Drop-In Child Care
- Family Child Care
Tracking
OI-3.1 V-1.0 Approved by the Executive Committee effective 04/19/2025
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Author
Jeff Johnson is an early learning trainer, podcaster, and author who founded Explorations Early Learning, Playvolution HQ, and Play Haven.
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