How to Become Licensed Large Family Childcare Home in Florida

Starting a licensed Large Family Child Care Home (LFCH) in Florida can be an excellent way to make a positive impact on your community while running a small business. With the right approach, you can meet the needs of working families and contribute to the early childhood education field. Florida’s Department of Children and Families (DCF) has clear guidelines to help you build a high-quality learning environment in your home.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to help childcare providers navigate the licensing process and open a LFCH in the State of Florida

What is a Large Family Child Care Home?

A Large Family Child Care Home is a private residence where care is provided for up to 12 children, including infant care and school-age children. This type of child care service is different from smaller family day care homes, which are licensed for up to 6 children. LFCHs in Florida are subject to specific regulations to ensure children’s safety, health, and development.

Understanding the Licensing Requirements

To become a licensed LFCH operator in Florida, you must meet specific criteria set by the Department of Children and Families. Here are the main requirements you must follow:

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for LFCH licensure, you must meet the following criteria:

• Minimum Age: You must be at least 21 years old.
• Residency: You must reside in the home that will be used as the Large Family Child Care Home.
• Work Restrictions: You cannot work outside the home during the hours the LFCH is in operation.
• Experience: Prior experience in child care is required:
  • You must have been licensed as a Family Day Care Home in Florida for at least 2 consecutive years within 5 years prior to the application for a LFCH license.
  • You must have held a Staff Credential for at least one year before applying for licensure. An Employment History Recognition Exemption will not be accepted to meet the Staff Credential requirement.
• Full-Time Staff: In addition to the operator, you must have at least one full-time employee, 18 years of age or older, on duty during all hours of operation. This requirement is waived only if the number of children in care is insufficient to meet the definition of a large family child care home.
• Substitute Plan: You must have proof of a written Substitute Plan to provide at least one other competent adult, 18 years or older, to substitute for the operator in case of an emergency.
• Fire Inspection: You must have an approved, current fire inspection.

Large Family Child Care Home Training Requirements

Before you can receive your license to operate a Large Family Child Care Home (LFCH) in Florida, you must successfully complete all required training and pass the associated competency exams. Florida law ensures that all operators, employees, and substitutes have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality care and maintain a safe environment for children.

Staff Credential Requirement

As part of your application for a LFCH license, you must have held a Staff Credential for at least one year prior to licensure. A Staff Credential is a certification granted to child care providers who meet specific qualifications in early childhood education.

Introductory Training

All operators, employees, and substitutes must complete the Department’s 30-hour Family Child Care Home training before licensure. This training consists of five courses, each requiring the passage of a competency exam. These online courses are available on the Department’s website at DCF Training Resources. The required courses include:

• Family Child Care Home Rules and Regulations (FCHR) – 6 hours
  This course provides an overview of the rules and regulations that govern Family Child Care Homes in Florida.
• Health, Safety, and Nutrition (HSAN) – 8 hours
  This course covers key topics such as ensuring children’s health, safety, and proper nutrition, which are essential to maintaining a healthy child care environment.
• Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect (CAAN) – 4 hours
  Participants learn how to recognize signs of child abuse and neglect and how to report suspected cases, ensuring the safety and well-being of the children in care.
• Child Growth and Development (CGDR) – 6 hours
  This course provides essential knowledge about the physical, cognitive, and emotional development of children, helping operators and staff understand their developmental needs.
• Behavioral Observation and Screening (BOSR) – 6 hours
  This course trains participants on how to observe and assess children’s behavior, identify any potential developmental delays, and take the necessary steps to support children in their care.

Substitute Training

Substitutes who work less than 40 hours per month must complete the Family Child Care Home Rules and Regulations (FCHR) course (6 hours) and pass the competency exam before they are allowed to care for children.

For substitutes working more than 40 hours per month, they are required to complete additional literacy training in early childhood development.

Literacy Training

Operators and substitutes working more than 40 hours per month must complete a minimum of 5-clock-hours (or 0.5 Continuing Education Units, CEUs) of training in early literacy and language development for children ages birth to five. You can fulfill this requirement by taking one of the following courses:

• Early Literacy Birth to Three (offered by the Department)
• Emergent Literacy for VPK Instructors (also offered by the Department)
• Approved Literacy Courses: A list of approved courses can be found at this link.
• College-Level Early Literacy Course: A course taken within the last 5 years at the college level, either for credit or non-credit, can also fulfill this requirement.

Specialized Training

Within 6 months of obtaining your LFCH license, operators must complete an additional 10 hours of specialized training, which is evidenced by passing a competency exam. This specialized training includes:

• Understanding Developmentally Appropriate Practices (UDAP) – 5 hours
  This course covers the best practices for engaging with children at different stages of development, ensuring that learning experiences are tailored to each child’s needs.
• Additionally, operators must choose one of the following:
  • Infant and Toddler Appropriate Practices (ITPR) – 5 hours
  • Preschool Appropriate Practices (PSPR) – 5 hours
  • School-Age Appropriate Practices (SAPR) – 5 hours
  • Special Needs Appropriate Practices (SNP) – 10 hours

Annual In-Service Training

Once licensed, you and your employees are required to complete 10 clock hours (or 1 Continuing Education Unit – CEU) of annual in-service training during each licensure year. This ensures that all staff members stay current on best practices and regulations in child care. For more information, visit Annual In-Service Training.

→ Lillio Academy offers high-quality, online professional development courses developed by experts with the needs of childcare providers in mind, helping educators earn their CEUs on the schedule that works best for them. 

CPR and First Aid Training

It is mandatory for all operators and substitutes to maintain current and valid certifications in Pediatric First Aid and CPR. A certified CPR instructor must conduct the on-site skills assessment, and the documentation of this assessment must be kept on file. The CPR training may be completed in person or online, but it must include an on-site practical assessment by a certified instructor. This certification must be kept up to date and renewed every two years.

Safe Sleep/Shaken Baby Syndrome Training

If your LFCH provides care for infants, you and your staff must complete training on safe sleep practices and preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome. The following courses are approved to meet this requirement:

• DCF Health, Safety, and Nutrition (HSAN) – 8 hours
• DCF Safe Sleep Practices for Child Care (SAFE) – 1 hour
• Early Learning Florida’s Safe Sleep Practices (SSPELFL) – 1 hour

This training ensures that all caregivers are equipped to protect infants from potential sleep-related hazards and understand the importance of safe sleep practices.

Fire Extinguisher Training

Lastly, all operators, employees, and substitutes must complete training in the use and operation of a fire extinguisher. This training is not provided by the Department of Children and Families, so you will need to find a certified training provider. Make sure to maintain records of the training completed by all staff members.

Specialized Training

Within six months of obtaining your license, you’ll need to complete 10 hours of specialized training in early childhood education. This training must include:

• Understanding Developmentally Appropriate Practices (UDAP) – 5 hours.
• An additional 5 hours in one of the following areas:
  • Infant and Toddler Development
  • Preschool Development
  • School-Age Development
  • Special Needs Education

This training will help you understand how to care for children at different stages of development and handle diverse needs within your child care setting.

Background Screening Requirements

Florida requires all LFCH operators, employees, and household members (aged 12 and older) to undergo thorough background checks to ensure the safety of children in your care. These checks include:

1. FBI and FDLE Background Checks
   • All individuals must complete fingerprinting through the Background Screening Clearinghouse.
   • Owners/operators must initiate the screening in the Clearinghouse before fingerprinting to avoid delays, invalid results, or additional costs.
   • Guidance documents:
     • Clearinghouse User Registration Guide
     • Clearinghouse Results Instruction Guide
2. Out-of-State Criminal Record Checks
   • Required for individuals who lived outside Florida in the past five years.
   • The FBI criminal history check covers states participating in the National Fingerprint File (NFF) program. List of NFF states.
   • For non-NFF states, records must be sent to the Background Screening Unit via:
     • Fax: (850) 487-6030
     • Email: bgs.outofstate.admin@myflfamilies.com
     • Mail: Department of Children and Families Background Screening Program, 2415 N. Monroe St., Suite 400, Tallahassee, FL 32303
3. Child Abuse and Neglect Registry Checks
   • Required for individuals who lived outside The State of Florida in the past five years. These checks include:
     • Juvenile Records Check
     • Child Care Attestation of Good Moral Character (AGMC)
     • Employment History Checks
     • Central Abuse Hotline Record Search (CAHRS)
     • Mandatory Abuse and Neglect Reporting Requirements Form

Preparing Your Home for Inspection

Your home must meet specific safety standards to ensure that it is a safe, healthy and high-quality learning environment for children. Your local licensing agency will be looking for the following criteria within your home daycare facility:

• Indoor Space: Each child must have at least 35 square feet of usable indoor floor space space. This is typically measured by the total square footage of your home and how it is divided among rooms that will be used for child care.
• Outdoor Space: You must have at least 270 square feet of safe outdoor play space per child if you plan to provide outdoor play. If you are only caring for infants, this requirement may be waived.
• Safety Measures: Ensure that your home complies with all safety regulations, including:
  • Having smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in working order.
  • Securing any hazardous items such as cleaning supplies, knives, or medications out of children’s reach.
  • Installing safety gates and locking systems on windows and doors.
  • Ensuring that any swimming pools are properly fenced or secured with childproof barriers.

Child Ratios for Large Family Childcare Homes

In a Large Family Child Care Home, the number of children you can care for is regulated by age, including children related to the operator who are under 13 years of age. The allowable child ratios are as follows:

• Up to 8 children from birth to 24 months of age.
• Up to 12 children, with no more than 4 children under 24 months of age.

These ratios are designed to ensure that children receive the appropriate level of care and supervision while also maintaining a safe environment within the home.

Submitting the Application

Once you have completed the training, background checks, and home preparation, you can submit your application to your local licensing office to become a licensed LFCH. The process involves the following steps:

• Application Fee: There is a $60 application fee, which is non-refundable.
• Documentation: You will need to submit proof of completed training, background screening results, proof of CPR/First Aid certifications, and proof of a suitable home environment.
• Inspection: A licensing counselor will visit your home to ensure it meets all regulations.

You can apply through your local DCF office. Find the nearest office and detailed application forms on the DCF Child Care Licensing page.

Renewing Your License

Once you are granted your LFCH license, it will remain valid for one year. To renew your daycare business license, you will need to:

• Complete any ongoing training or background checks.
• Ensure that your home continues to meet all safety standards.
• Submit the necessary renewal forms and fees.

Additional Considerations for Large Family Child Care Homes

While not required for licensure, there are several additional considerations that may help better serve the families in your community and ensure a safe and supportive environment for children in your care. Below are some key areas to keep in mind:

• Transportation: If you plan to offer transportation services, it’s important to notify your local licensing office to ensure compliance with Florida’s transportation requirements. Your vehicle(s) must be annually inspected by a certified mechanic, and you must have valid insurance and appropriate child safety restraints. Additionally, the driver must possess a valid Florida driver’s license and certifications in First Aid and Pediatric CPR. 
• Outdoor Play Area: A clean, hazard-free outdoor play area is essential, with appropriate ground cover or protective surfaces surrounding play equipment that is securely anchored. However, homes offering care only to infants younger than 12 months are not required to have an outdoor play area.
• Fencing: To ensure children’s safety, fencing around the play area or property must be continuous, without gaps, and kept level with the ground. Fencing should be at least 4 feet high and have at least two exits, one of which should be remote from the building. 

By considering these additional aspects, you can create a safer and more effective environment that better meets the needs of both the children and families you serve.

Grants for Child Care Services in Florida

There are various grants available to assist with the startup or expansion of childcare facilities in Florida:

• Child Care Tax Credits Program: Established in 2024, this program offers tax credits to businesses that establish, operate, or make payments to eligible childcare facilities for their employees. The credits apply against several Florida taxes, including corporate income and insurance premium taxes. Applications are processed by the Florida Department of Revenue.
• The Florida Child Care Development Block Grant is the primary federal grant program that allows states to provide child care assistance to low-income working families with children under age 13. The grant offers funding for improvements, training, and services to enhance childcare quality.
• U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Support: The SBA provides resources to help childcare businesses start and expand. This includes access to Women’s Business Centers, which offer training, counseling, and assistance in areas like business planning and financial operations. Additionally, the SBA offers various loan programs, such as the CDC/504 Loan Program and microloans, which can provide necessary capital for your childcare business.
• The School Readiness Program provides financial assistance to eligible low-income families to help them access quality childcare.

These grants can help reduce startup costs and ensure that your facility meets the highest standards of care.

Build Your Business with Lillio

Opening a licensed large family childcare home in Florida is an exciting journey that allows you to positively impact families and young children in your community. From Broward to Sarasota, communities in Florida need quality daycare providers to support working families. By leveraging grants and programs designed for new childcare facilities, you can reduce startup costs and focus on providing exceptional care. With preparation and dedication, you’ll be ready to offer a trusted child care program for families and young children. 

After successfully navigating Florida’s licensing process, the next step is ensuring you have the right tools to manage and grow your program. Lillio is here to support you at every stage, offering comprehensive child care management software designed to streamline operations, foster parent engagement, improve record keeping and keep you compliant with state regulations.

Trusted by thousands of child care centers, Lillio provides the essential tools to help you create and sustain a high-quality program.

Opening a new licensed childcare facility in Florida? You don’t have to do it alone. Click here to discover how Lillio can make your journey smoother!