Home Daycare Permit Requirements in Philadelphia, PA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a home daycare in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania.

$500 -- $1200 10-20 weeks 6 requirements

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: .

Philadelphia / Philadelphia County Requirements

2 requirements
1

Zoning Variance or Special Exception

Required from the Philadelphia Zoning Board of Adjustment for operating a group care facility (4 or more unrelated children) in a residential zone. The zoning process involves a public hearing and neighbor notification. Smaller family daycare operations (fewer than 4 children) may qualify for a home occupation permit.

$200-$6004-12 weeks
Official government source
2

Certificate of Occupancy

Required from Philadelphia L&I for the premises used as a home daycare, particularly when operating with 4 or more children. The certificate confirms the home meets building code, fire safety, and space requirements for childcare use.

$100-$4002-6 weeks
Official government source

Pennsylvania State Requirements

3 requirements
1

PA DHS Certificate of Registration - Family Child Care Home

Required by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) for family child care homes caring for 4-6 unrelated children. The process includes a home inspection, criminal background checks (FBI, PA State Police), child abuse history clearances, CPR/First Aid training, and mandatory pre-service training hours.

Free (state registration)8-16 weeks
Official government source
2

PA Child Abuse History Clearance

Required for all adults residing in or working at the family daycare home. Issued by the PA Department of Human Services. Includes PA State Police Criminal Background Check and FBI fingerprinting for those without PA residency of 10+ years.

$10-$30/person2-6 weeks
Official government source
3

PA Business Entity Registration

Required by the Pennsylvania Department of State for LLCs and corporations. Many home daycare operators register as sole proprietors or file a fictitious name (DBA) if operating under a business name.

$70-$125 (one-time filing)1-2 weeks
Official government source

Federal Requirements

1 requirement
1

EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS.

FreeImmediate (online)
Official government source

Official Sources

Get your personalized permit checklist

Find out exactly which permits and licenses your home daycare needs in Philadelphia, PA — with costs, timelines, and official links.

Get Your Permit Report — $9.99
Ready in ~60 seconds Secure payment via Stripe Official links & citations

Related Guides

Stop guessing about permits

Know exactly what permits your business needs

Get a personalized permit report with every license, registration, and permit required for your business — with costs, timelines, and official application links.

Get Your Permit Report — $9.99
Ready in ~60 seconds Secure payment via Stripe 50 states, 4,000+ jurisdictions