How Do I Get Started?
7 Steps to Get a Nebraska Child Care License

Getting your family child care license is not a difficult task. All you have to do is follow these 7 easy steps. You must first decide how many children you want to care for, then make your choice according to your decision.

1. Fill out the licensing packet forms for either a Family Day Care Home I (Capacity of 10 = 8 with option of 2 additional school age children)

   • Application
   • Rules Compliance Checklist
   • Health Information Report
   • Felony/Misdemeanor Statement
   • Parent Handbook
   • Compliance Guide (pgs 1-50 pgs 51-90)
   • Children's Records

   
   OR Fill out the licensing packet for a Family Day Care Home II (Capacity of 12 with 2 people)

   • Application
   • Health Information Report
   • Felony/Misdemeanor Statement
   • Parent Handbook
   • Compliance Guide (pgs 1-50)(pgs 51-90)
   • Children's Records
   
   
2. You must attend a 1 hour Orientation Meeting held by NHHS
3. You must get your CPR/1st Aid Class certificate (Submit a copy of the certificate with your HHS packet)
4. You must get the Health Information Report filled out from your doctor or local clinic- see form above (Submit form with your HHS packet)
5. The Felony/Misdemeanor Statement must be filled out for you and anyone in your home who is 19 years or older. Your name will also be checked in the state Child Abuse/Neglect Registry for offenses.
6. When you have filled out the papers and questionnaire you will mail it to your local NHHS - Child Care Licensing Clerk with a check or money order for $25.00 plus $35.00 for Fire Marshall Fee = $60.00. (Check your local agency for fee rates)
7. Some time after you have mailed in your papers, the Fire Marshall will come to your home (unannounced and without an appointment) and spend about 20 minutes in your home to make sure you are compiling with the fire safety requirements.

If all of the papers you mailed in are in order and the Fire Marshall has visited your home and given his approval, the State will send you your license in the mail. This usually takes about 4 - 6 weeks depending on how busy both the State and Fire Marshall are at the time.