Childcare Licensing Requirements in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
If you are opening or operating a childcare center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, you must comply with Pennsylvania's licensing requirements administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Bureau of Certification Services. As Pennsylvania's largest city with a population of 1.6 million, Philadelphia has a substantial childcare market with many families relying on licensed centers.
Pennsylvania childcare centers in Philadelphia must include 13 mandatory sections in parent handbooks per Pennsylvania Code 55 Pa. Code §3270.151.
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See complete Pennsylvania licensing requirements →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamRequired Handbook Sections for Philadelphia Childcare Centers
The following sections must appear in every Pennsylvania childcare parent handbook. These requirements apply to all licensed centers in Philadelphia.
| Section | Description | Citation | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hours of Operation | Days and hours the facility is open; holiday closures; late pick-up policy. | Pennsylvania Code 55 Pa. Code §3270.151 | Required |
| Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy | Positive guidance techniques used; prohibited discipline methods; progressive steps. | Pennsylvania Code 55 Pa. Code §3270.36 | Required |
| Illness and Exclusion Policy | Symptoms requiring exclusion; readmission criteria; communicable disease procedures. | Pennsylvania Code 55 Pa. Code §3270.131 | Required |
| Medication Administration Policy | Procedures for administering prescription and non-prescription medications; authorization requirements. | Pennsylvania Code 55 Pa. Code §3270.133 | Required |
| Emergency Procedures | Fire, severe weather, lockdown, and medical emergency procedures; evacuation routes. | Pennsylvania Code 55 Pa. Code §3270.122 | Required |
| Arrival and Departure Procedures | Sign-in/sign-out requirements; authorized pick-up persons; late pick-up fees. | Pennsylvania Code 55 Pa. Code §3270.117 | Required |
| Nutrition and Meals Policy | Meals and snacks provided; food allergy procedures; outside food policy. | Pennsylvania Code 55 Pa. Code §3270.141 | Required |
| Parent Communication Policy | Daily report procedures; how to reach staff; parent conference schedule. | Pennsylvania Code 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(a) | Required |
| Grievance and Complaint Procedure | Steps for resolving concerns; contact for unresolved complaints. | Pennsylvania Code 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(b) | Required |
| Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting | Mandatory reporter obligations; reporting procedures; state hotline. | Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law 23 Pa.C.S. §6311; 55 Pa. Code §3270.31 | Required |
| Enrollment, Fees, and Payment Policy | Enrollment process; tuition rates; payment schedule; refund policy. | Pennsylvania Code 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(c) | Required |
| Health and Safety Policies | Handwashing procedures; diapering; sunscreen; rest time policies. | Pennsylvania Code 55 Pa. Code §3270.123 | Required |
| Nondiscrimination Policy | Statement of equal access; protected classes covered. | Pennsylvania Human Relations Act; 55 Pa. Code §3270.14 | Required |
| Transportation Policy | Vehicle safety requirements; car seat policy; authorization procedures. | Pennsylvania Code 55 Pa. Code §3270.172 | Recommended |
| Field Trip Policy | Authorization requirements; supervision ratios during off-site activities. | Pennsylvania Code 55 Pa. Code §3270.175 | Recommended |
Staff-to-Child Ratios in Philadelphia
Pennsylvania mandates the following maximum staff-to-child ratios by age group. Every licensed childcare center in Philadelphia must meet these minimums at all times.
| Age Group | Staff-to-Child Ratio |
|---|---|
| Infant (0-12 months) | 1:4 |
| Toddler (13-24 months) | 1:5 |
| Toddler (25-36 months) | 1:6 |
| Preschool (3-4 years) | 1:10 |
| Preschool (4-5 years) | 1:12 |
| School Age (5+ years) | 1:15 |
Immunization Requirements
- DTaP
- Polio
- MMR
- Varicella
- Hib
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis A
Background Check Requirements
- Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Record
- FBI fingerprint check (Act 73)
- Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance (Act 151)
- Sexual Misconduct/Abuse Register check
Inspection Frequency
Annual unannounced inspection; complaint-based inspections
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Fines up to $5,000/day; provisional, suspended, or revoked certificate under Human Services Code §1026
Local Childcare Resources in Philadelphia
In addition to state licensing requirements, Philadelphia childcare operators can access support through local Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agencies. Contact your local CCR&R for Philadelphia-specific assistance with licensing applications, training, and family subsidy programs. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Bureau of Certification Services also maintains regional offices that serve the Philadelphia area.
For official Pennsylvania licensing information visit: https://www.dhs.pa.gov/providers/Providers/Pages/Child-Care.aspx
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What are the childcare licensing requirements in Philadelphia?
Childcare centers in Philadelphia must comply with Pennsylvania state licensing requirements enforced by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Bureau of Certification Services. This includes maintaining a compliant parent handbook with 13 required sections, meeting staff-to-child ratios by age group, ensuring all enrolled children have up-to-date immunizations, and completing background checks for all staff and volunteers.
How many staff do I need for a daycare in Philadelphia?
In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania mandates specific staff-to-child ratios by age group: Infant (0-12 months) requires a ratio of 1:4; Toddler (13-24 months) requires a ratio of 1:5; Toddler (25-36 months) requires a ratio of 1:6; Preschool (3-4 years) requires a ratio of 1:10; Preschool (4-5 years) requires a ratio of 1:12; School Age (5+ years) requires a ratio of 1:15. These ratios are set by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Bureau of Certification Services and apply to all licensed childcare centers in Philadelphia.
What immunizations are required for childcare in Philadelphia?
Children enrolled in Philadelphia childcare centers must have documentation of the following immunizations per Pennsylvania state requirements: DTaP, Polio, MMR, Varicella, Hib, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A. These records must be on file at the childcare facility.