Child Care Facilities

The requirements for life and fire safety at child care facilities depend upon the number of children supervised and the facility type. Generally, inspections include examination of hazardous areas and the separation/protection from child care areas, smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, fire exits and general building conditions.

Family day care homes, group day care homes, child care centers and license exempt day care centers are all either licensed or registered with the Department of Health and Senior Services. Prior to opening for business, child care facilities must submit plans to the Division of Fire Safety’s Fire Safety Inspection Unit for approval. After the plan is reviewed and approved, a framing and wiring inspection is required during the construction process, prior to walls being closed with sheetrock or occupants utilizing the facility. Once construction is complete and the facility is prepared to open for business, an additional inspection is required. After a facility is approved for a license and begins to operate, it will be inspected annually by the Fire Safety Inspection Unit