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Wyoming Department of Family Services

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Home   >>   Providers   >>   Child Care

Child Care

Licensed Child Care Providers

The safety and health of the children you will care for is the main focus of Child Care Licensing. This is accomplished through the Wyoming Child Care Licensing Rules.

Five diverse children sitting and smiling

Child Care Licensing Contacts 

Considering becoming a Licensed Child Care Provider in Wyoming?  Watch this short informational video to get you started! Click here

Who Needs to be Licensed? 

If you are caring for more than two children who aren’t related to you, you might have to be licensed. If you do not meet any of the exemption reasons below, then you need to apply for a license. If you do not meet one of the exemptions listed above and are caring for children, you are required by Wyoming law to be licensed. It is considered a crime to operate a child care facility without a license if you are not exempt. If you are not sure whether or not you are exempt from licensing requirements, contact the Child Care Licenser for your county. The exemptions are:

  • A legal parent’s or legal relative’s care of a child.
  • Occasional care of a neighbor’s or friend’s child if the person providing the care does not regularly engage in the activity.
  • Parents exchanging care on a cooperative basis.
  • Child care provided by a person employed to come to the home of the child’s parent or guardian.
  • Child care facilities providing care for no more than two unrelated children.
  • Child care facilities supervised by the state, and local government, school district, agency or political subdivision thereof.
Licensing Rules and Types of Child Care Facilites
  • Family Child Care Home – to provide care for 3 – 10 children in your own home without additional staff;
  • Family Child Care Center – to provide care for a maximum of 15 children in your home or another building in which you do not reside with one additional staff when more than 10 children are present; or
  • Child Care Center – to provide care for 16 or more children with adequate staff to meet the staff:child ratio requirements.
  • Child Care Licensing Rules

How Do I Get Licensed?

You can request an application for Child Care Certification from the Child Care Licenser for your county or download a copy of the application. You will need to submit the following information with your application:

  • Child/abuse neglect Central Registry checks from Wyoming and each state lived in the last 5 years results; click here
  • National Sex Offender Registry check and Wyoming and State Sex Offender Registry checks from each state lived in the last 5 years; click here
  • Instructions for review of National criminal history; click here
  • Fingerprint Cover Letter; click here
  • Click here for TB screening form
  • Local zoning approval if it is required where you live;
  • Documentation from a licensed health care professional that the applicant has no diagnosed conditions that would impair their ability to provide child care; click here for Physician’s Statement form
  • Proof of required education, training or experience; and
  • A $50.00 application fee. (Check or money order made payable to the Department of Family Services).

Additional documentation needed:

  • Sample attendance record form
  • Sample child record forms
  • Sample staff record forms (if applicable)
  • Emergency Preparedness Plan

Before your application is complete, you will be required to complete Pre-Service Training.

Once all of the items above are completed and submitted to the Child Care Licenser, the following inspections of the facility must be completed:

  • Fire inspection
  • Health and Sanitation inspection
  • Child Care Licensing inspection

How do I renew my license:

Generally, licenses are issued for a period of 12 months.

  • Child Care licenses must be renewed on or before the license expiration date. If the license expires because renewal requirements have not been met, the provider can no longer provide licensed care and payments from the Child Care Subsidy Program or the CACFP Food Program may be jeopardized.
  • Renewal Inspection
  • Annual Training

Emergency Preparedness

  • Wyoming Child Care Disaster Response Guidelines and Disaster Plan for Licensed Child Care Facilities
  • Emergency and Disaster Plan
  • Child Care Crisis Response Guidelines Flip chart  Word
  • Wyoming Emergency Preparedness Plan for All Facilities  Word

How does the Department of Family Services monitor child care facilities? 

Child Care Licensers are located across the state and are responsible for a caseload of licensed programs in one or more counties. At a minimum, the Child Care Licenser conducts one unannounced and one announced site visit to each licensed facility each year. In addition to the regular visits, a Child Care Licenser may visit a facility for a variety of reasons including:

  • Pre-licensing visits for new programs
  • Complaint investigations and non-compliance monitoring 
  • Technical assistance
  • Follow-up visits

Documents & Forms for Child Care Providers 

Documents for Child Care Providers

Documents for Child Care Providers

CCL-100 Application for Child Care Certification Word PDF
CCL-100a

CCL-100b

Change Request Form

Application for Recertification Form

Word

Word

CCL-102 Variance Request Word
CCL-200 Initial Inspection Word
CCL-201 Renewal packet Word
CCL-205 Staff Record Summary Word Excel
CCL-209 Renewal Visit (Facility Inspection) Word
CCL-300 Facility Visit Word
CCL-306 Corrective Action Plan Form Word
CCL-605 Wyoming Child Injury Report Word PDF
CCL-607 TB Screening Form PDF
CCL-607a TB Yearly risk factor self assessment Word PDF
CCL-608 Physician Statement Word

Over the Counter (OTC) Medication Form PDF

Health Inspection form Word  PDF

Background Check Information and Forms

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Forms for Background Checks

Forms for Background Checks

Instructions for Review of Criminal History Word PDF
CCL-108 Fingerprint Cover Letter Word PDF
CCL-108 Labels PDF
Common reasons for rejected cards Word
 DCI - Waiver and Release form PDF
How to Challenge and How to Obtain Your FBI Identity History Summary PDF
Sample Child Care card with Label PDF

CCL-609 Application for Child Care Abuse/Neglect and Adult Central Registry Screens  PDF

Out of State Central Registry

Central Registry Instructions 

Helpful Tools

Helpful Tools

Helpful Tools

Attendance Sheet PDF
Authorization of Medical Treatment PDF
Child Care Phone Interview PDF
Child Record Form PDF
Consent for Child Care Program Activities PDF
Daily Menu Production Record PDF
Daily Report Form PDF
Evaluating What you have planned PDF
Field Trip Permission Form PDF
Medication Administration Consent PDF
Special Care Plan PDF
Symptom Record PDF

Sample policy statement (Parent Handbook)-child care center Word

Sample policy statement (Parent Handbook)-child care home  Word

Consent form Word

Sample Child's Record Word

Suspension & Expulsion Policy Tool Kit

Suspension & Expulsion Policy Tool Kit

Suspension & Expulsion Policy Tool Kit

Suspension & Expulsion Policy examples Word
Professional Learning Collaborative Facilitators PDF
Wyoming Suspension & Expulsion Support Resources Word
Child Care Expulsion Resources

Child Care Expulsion Resources

Feelings Resources

Feeling Resources

Emotion Faces PDF
Feeling Chart English PDF
Feeling Chart Spanish PDF
Feeling Chart-Flower PDF
Feeling Chart-Flower Spanish PDF
Center on the Developing Child

Center on the Developing Child

Children's Emotional Development Is Built into the Architecture of Their Brains PDF
Establishing a Level Foundation for Life: Mental Health Begins in Early Childhood PDF
How Early Experiences Shape the Development of Executive Functions PDF
In Brief: Early Child Hood Mental Health PDF
In Brief: Early Child Hood Mental Health-Spanish PDF
In Brief: Executive Function Skills for Life and Learning PDF
In Brief: Executive Function Skills for Life and Learning-Spanish PDF
In Brief: The Science of Neglect PDF
Maternal Depression Can Undermine Development PDF
Persistent Fear and Anxiety Can Affect Young Children's Learning and Development PDF
Science of Early Childhood Development PDF
Science of Early Childhood Development-Spanish PDF
Challenging Behavior Resources

Challenging Behavior Resources

Biting: Parenting Tool PDF
Get a Timer PDF
Practical Strategies PDF
Problem Solving Boy PDF
Best Practice for Managing Out-of-Control Children PDF
Working with Children with Challenging Behavior: A Team Approach PDF
Social Emotional Tools PDF
Solution Kit PDF
Super Friend Award PDF
What Works Briefs PDF
Child Development

Child Development

8 Things to Remember About Child Development PDF
Foundations of Lifelong Health PDF
Social Emotional Development PDF

 

Determining Temperament

Determining Temperament

Infant Toddler Temperament Tool-Toddler PDF
Infant Toddler Temperament Tool-Infant PDF
Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Resources

Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Resources

IECMH Consultation Brief PDF
Equity verses Equality Resources

Equity verses Equality Resources

IISC Equality Equity PDF
RWJF Bikes: Equality Equity PDF
Executive Functioning Brain Building

Executive Functioning Brain Building

5 Steps to Brain-Building Serve and Return PDF
Executive Functioning PDF
Executive Functions Activities for 6 to 18 month-olds PDF
Executive Functions Activities for 18 to 36 month-olds PDF
Executive Functions Activities for 3 to 5 year-olds PDF
Executive Functions Activities for 5 to 7 year-olds PDF

 

Family Resources

Family Resources

3 Principles to Improve Outcomes for Children and Families PDF
Federal Resources

Federal Resources

Supporting and Responding to Behavior: Evidence-Based Classroom Strategies for Teachers osepideasthatwork.org
Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS) National Technical Assistance Center https://www.pbis.org/
Pyramid Model

Pyramid Model

Addressing Challenging Behaviors with Pyramid Model PDF
Turtle Technique PDF
Turtle Pattern PDF
Screening Tools

Screening Tools

SEAM Benchmarks PDF
What is ASQ PDF
Self-Regulation Skill Building

Self-Regulation Skill Building

Tip Sheet: Self-Regulation Infants PDF
Tip Sheet:  Home Accessible PDF
Tip Sheet: Infants Accessible PDF
Tip Sheet: Preschool Accessible PDF
Tip Sheet: Toddlers Accessible PDF
Teaching Tools

Teaching Tools

Make the Most of Playtime PDF
Reading Cues PDF
Teaching Your Child to: Cooperate with Requests PDF
Teaching Your Child to: Identify and Express Emotions PDF
Teaching Your Child to: Become Independent with Daily Routines PDF
Teaching your Child About Feelings (from Birth to Age 2) PDF
Wyoming Early Learning Guidelines Foundations

Wyoming Early Learning Guidelines Foundations

Early Learning Guidelines: For Children Ages 0 - 3 PDF
Early Learning Guidelines: For Children Ages 3 - 5 PDF
Booklist

Children's Book List

Licensing FAQ’s

Licensing FAQ's

Licensing FAQ's

Can my application for a Child Care License be denied and why?

An application may be denied if the applicant does not submit the required documentation or complete the required inspections and any compliance necessary. An application may be denied based on any disqualifying information in a Central Registry background check or in the full national fingerprint check. In addition, for reasons stated in the Wyoming Child Care Licensing Rules, Chapter 3, Section 1.

How often are child care facilities actually visited by a Child Care Licenser?

Child Care Licensing staff make a minimum of 2 visits to each facility per year. One visit is unannounced and one visit is scheduled. In addition, visits are made to investigate complaints, provide technical assistance or to conduct compliance monitoring if the facility has had a substantiated complaint.

Can a parent drop in and visit children in a child care facility at any time?

The child care rules specify that parents or guardians shall be allowed immediate access to their child’s program during the operating hours to see the child or to evaluate the care being provided.

Are child care facilities required to administer medications to children?

No, child care facilities are not required to administer medication. However, if the provider administers medication, he/or she must have competed the Medication Administration class that is required in the Child Care Licensing Rules. The Child Care Licensing Rules also address procedures that must be followed if medicine is administered which include requirements for documenting when medication is given, having written permission and instructions, and how medications must be stored.

Are background checks conducted on child care providers, directors, or staff?

Child Care Licensing Rules require a full national fingerprint criminal background check and Wyoming Central Registry background check revealing no disqualifying information. These checks must be completed on all child care providers, directors, staff, volunteers, substitutes, and household members over the age of 18.

Where do I get a copy of the Central Registry form, CCL-108 fingerprint cover letter or fingerprint cards?

Your local DFS Child Care Licenser may provide you with a copy of each form and the 2 fingerprint cards with the Child Care Application packet. If you need additional copies, you may print the forms from this website: Central Registry site or the Documents for Providers section of this site or contact your Child Care Licenser.

Where can I find training requirements for myself and staff?

Please see our Professional Development page.

add link to Professional development page (once it is migrated) https://sites.google.com/a/wyo.gov/early-childcare-and-licensing/professional-development


Non-licensed Child Care Providers

We are currently developing our Non-licensed Child Care Providers section. While we are in the process of building this section, we encourage you to visit our Contact Us & Locations page and find an office nearest you for the latest information.


Background Checks

We are currently developing our Non-licensed Child Care Providers section. While we are in the process of building this section, we encourage you to visit our Contact Us & Locations page and find an office nearest you for the latest information.


Pre-Service & Provider Training

Professional development refers to the ongoing training and education that gives child care providers, directors and staff the knowledge and skills they need to provide high quality early care and education for young children.

Provider Training and Professional Development

The Statewide Training and Resource System (STARS)

The Statewide Training and Resource System (STARS):

STARS approves all training and trainers for licensed child care providers. STARS also awards training credits to the provider after he/she has completed an approved training and maintains a record of completed training for all individuals working in licensed child care facilities.
STARS is able to assist child care providers, directors, and staff with accessing training, printing certificates, and training questions.

Please visit STARS for available on-line training to meet the training requirements listed in Chapter 4, Section 9.

The Department of Family Services contracts with Align to administer these programs. For more information contact the STARS program at 1-800-400-3999 or visit their web site at: http://www.wyregistry.org

STARS-Wyoming-Statewide-Training-and-Resource-System-Logo
Pre-Service training for new providers, directors and staff

Pre-Service training for new providers, directors and staff:

  1. Safety and health of children
  2. Fire Safety
  3. Sanitation procedures
  4. First Aid and CPR
  5. Medication administration
  6. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
  7. Safe sleep practices
  8. Blood borne pathogens
  9. Recognition and reporting of suspected child abuse or neglect
  10. Shaken Baby Syndrome
  11. Nutrition
  12. Transportation of children

Facility staff orientation:

  1. Facility policies and procedures
  2. Child Care Licensing Rules

Staff Pre-Service Training and Facility Orientation: All staff prior to assuming responsibility for unsupervised direct care of children or within 3 months of the staff’s start date shall complete the pre-service training and the facility staff orientation.

First year training credit requirements: 16 training credits total:

  • Eight (8) credits of training in Early Learning Guidelines and Early Learning Foundations; and
  • Eight (8) elective training credits in the area of early learning, early childhood, and/or child development.

Child Care training credits required each subsequent year, after the first license:

  1. Eight (8) elective training credits in the area of early learning, early childhood, and/or child development; and
  2. Eight (8) core credits of total training shall include all of the following areas:
    1. Blood borne Pathogens
    2. Fire Safety
    3. Sanitation
    4. Recognition and reporting of suspected child abuse or neglect
    5. Emergency Preparedness
    6. Sudden Infant death Syndrome (SIDS)
    7. Safe Sleep
    8. Shaken Baby Syndrome
    9. Transportation

All staff shall have Infant Child CPR and First Aid training and certification shall be kept current. 

Infant/Toddler training

Infant/Toddler training:

  • All staff working with infants or toddlers shall complete a minimum of four (4) hours of specialized infant or toddler training every two years.
  • Whenever four (4) or more infants are present:
    • One (1) staff shall have the Infant/Toddler Director Credential.
    •  At least one (1) staff person working directly with infants or toddlers shall have a minimum of eight (8) training credits of specialized training in the care of infants or toddlers every two years.
Fire Extinguisher Training

Fire Extinguisher Training

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