1. You must be at least 18 years of age and have had at least six months experience with children. (Parenting, child care experience, 30 hrs. child care courses, etc…)
2. You must have a high school diploma or G.E.D. Verification required.
3. You must submit a signed doctor’s statement stating that you are free of communicable diseases and are physically able to care for children. If you are certified, a new medical statement is required every three years.
4. You must be mature and able to handle emergencies and keep the children safe and healthy.
5. You must be flexible and energetic enough to plan and supervise activities necessary for the growth and development of children.
6. You must complete training hours as specified by the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services.  Our agency will request that you sign a training acknowledgement form.
7. You must cooperate with the agency. A representative from the agency will visit you periodically.
8. No more than six children can be in your care at one time. This count includes your own children under the age of six. No more than three of these children may be under two years of age.
9. You must not have additional activities or employment that would conflict with the time needed for the care of the children.
10. The child care home must be inspected. These inspections will be announced and unannounced.
11. If there are changes in household composition or in child care arrangements, they must be reported to the Child Care unit immediately.
12. You must prepare and serve at least one balanced meal and one snack while giving full-time care. Additional meals may be required, depending on the time and number of hours care is given.
13. You are not required to accept every child referred to your child care home. However, you must not reject a child because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or disability.
14. Pets must have appropriate vaccinations and licenses.
15. There must be 35 sq. ft. of useable space per child for indoor use and adequate space for outdoor play. The home must also have sleeping space for each child and a room to isolate an ill child.
16. If well water is used, a safe water test result is required on an annual basis.
17. You must have a working landline telephone.
18. Discipline must be reasonable, firm, consistent, and moderate for all children in the home (no spanking, slapping, punching, or any physical punishment is allowed).
19. You must set limits for the children and work with the parents to change unacceptable behaviors.
20. The provider or any resident of the home shall not:
    • Demonstrate physical or mental conditions potentially harmful to the children,
    • Be under the influence of alcohol or other drugs,
    • Have evidence of drug addiction or alcoholism within the past two years,
    • Have been convicted of or pleaded guilty to child abuse or other crimes or offenses of violence.
21. The provider, all residents of the home 18 years or older, all Emergency Care givers, and all Substitute Care givers must be fingerprinted. There is a $58 charge per person.
22. The provider, all residents of the home 18 years or older, all Emergency Care givers, and all Substitute Care givers must verify Ohio residency for the 5 years prior to the child care provider application. Example: you submit an application in 1998 – the agency will request verification of Ohio residency from 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, and 1997.
23. Seneca County Department of Job & Family Services will require both First Aid and Infant and Child CPR certifications to be completed and kept up to date for certified providers.