How does the education/care system work for babies and toddlers work in the USA?
In the United States, licensing regulations for child care facilities is not governed by the federal government. Each state sets their own policies and rules. I have been a child care provider in my home for 22 years. I live in the US in the state of Michigan. In Michigan, it is the law that anyone who regularly cares for unrelated children in their home is licensed by the state. Some states, however, allow for 1-2 children in care without licensing or only being registered. There are 2 basic types of care facilities. There are those run inside a person’s home. In Michigan, a Family Home Child Care allows for one person caring for up to 6 children. A Group Home Child Care allows for up to 12 children with 2 care givers required for 7 or more children. There are also child care centers. These are run in a seperate facility, not a person’s home. Child Care Centers, at least in Michigan, follow a more stringent licensing process with more inspections than home child care facilities have.
