Licensing & Compliance
Supporting Safe, Compliant, and High-Quality Early Childhood Programs
Staying compliant requires access to accurate regulations, trusted guidance, and up-to-date resources. Explore organizations and agencies that help early childhood programs meet licensing requirements, strengthen quality, and prepare for inspections.
ChildCare.gov
Website: https://childcare.gov
Focus
Provides licensing information, child care regulations, and state-specific child care resources.
Best For
- Child Care Owners
- Directors
- Families
- New Providers
Resources Available
- State Licensing Information
- Child Care Regulations
- Provider Resources
- Family Resources
Administration for Children and Families (Office of Child Care)
Website: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/occ
Focus
Supports child care programs through federal guidance, policy information, and quality improvement initiatives.
Best For
- Child Care Centers
- Family Child Care Providers
- State Agencies
Resources Available
- Federal Guidance
- Child Care Policy
- CCDF Information
- Provider Resources
National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education
Website: https://nrckids.org
Focus
Promotes health and safety best practices for early childhood programs.
Best For
- Owners
- Directors
- Health & Safety Coordinators
Resources Available
- Caring for Our Children Standards
- Health & Safety Resources
- Emergency Preparedness
- Training Materials
Child Care Aware® of America
Website: https://www.childcareaware.org
Focus
Provides resources to help programs understand licensing systems, quality initiatives, and provider support services.
Best For
- Child Care Providers
- Directors
- Families
Resources Available
- State Licensing Resources
- Provider Support
- Quality Improvement
- Advocacy
National Center on Early Childhood Quality Assurance (ECQA)
Website: https://childcareta.acf.hhs.gov
Focus
Supports quality improvement and licensing systems through research, technical assistance, and professional resources.
Best For
- State Agencies
- Child Care Programs
- Technical Assistance Providers
Resources Available
- Licensing Resources
- Quality Improvement Tools
- Policy Guidance
- Training Materials
National Center on Early Childhood Development, Teaching, and Learning (DTL)
Website: https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov
Focus
Provides evidence-based resources that support quality teaching, learning, and program compliance.
Best For
- Head Start Programs
- Child Care Centers
- Educators
- Directors
Resources Available
- Professional Development
- Curriculum Resources
- Teaching Strategies
- Program Improvement
National Center on Program Management and Fiscal Operations (PMFO)
Website: https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov
Focus
Supports program leaders with operational, fiscal, and management guidance.
Best For
- Executive Directors
- Program Administrators
- Owners
Resources Available
- Fiscal Management
- Program Operations
- Governance
- Compliance Resources
Your State Child Care Licensing Agency
Focus
Each state licensing agency provides regulations, required forms, inspection information, and technical guidance specific to its jurisdiction.
Best For
- All Licensed Providers
Resources Available
- Licensing Rules
- Required Forms
- Inspection Reports
- Technical Assistance
- Policy Updates
Devereux Center for Resilient Children (DCRC)
Website: https://centerforresilientchildren.org
Focus
Promotes resilience, social-emotional development, and positive mental health in infants, toddlers, and young children through evidence-based resources and assessment tools.
Best For
- Child Care Owners
- Directors
- Teachers
- Mental Health Consultants
- Early Intervention Professionals
Resources Available
- DECA Assessments
- Social-Emotional Learning Resources
- Professional Development
- Training & Certification
- Classroom Strategies
- Family Resources
- Resilience-Building Tools
The Compliance Alliance
Website: https://ececompliance.com
Focus
Provides compliance systems, risk management strategies, audits, and operational guidance specifically for early childhood education programs.
Best For
- Child Care Owners
- Executive Directors
- Multi-Site Operators
Resources Available
- Compliance Audits
- Risk Assessments
- Standard Operating Procedures
- Checklists
- Compliance Resources
- Leadership Consulting