Summary information on some of the regulations
(The information below is provided as a convenience to interested parties, it is highly recommended that the actual regulations be viewed, as the information contained below is a non-expert summary.  Links to the current regulations are provided)

General Information
Many regulations apply to child care providers, however the number of child care providers to number of children requirement, the education/experience requirements of the staff and the physical space requirements have the most impact on the cost of establishing and maintaining a child care environment.  These requirements for Pennsylvania are summarized below, with links to the detailed requirement.  

Pennsylvania requires all providers and staff to submit to child abuse and criminal history clearances.  In most instances persons with a felony convictions will not be approved to run/work-in a child care facility.

The child care market in Pennsylvania allows for three types of child care settings outside a child’s home.

Family Child Care – allows a person to care for a maximum of 6 children, (not including their own children) at a residence. Family care provider's who care for more than three (3) unrelated children simultaneously, must be registered with the state.  Registration certificates are issued for up to 24 months.  Inspections are only done on a random basis, at the request of the operator or in response to a complaint.  Complaint visits are unannounced, all other inspection visits may be either announced or unannounced.  Click here for more Information on Pennsylvania Family Day Care Homes.

Group Home Child Care – allows a person to provide care for a maximum of 12 children unrelated to the operator, except in facilities serving only older school age children (4th grade or older) then 15 children may receive care simultaneously.  Group home child care providers are regulated and checked by inspectors at least once a year and there is a a complaint and follow-up system.  Regulations control the amount of space per child, provider/child ratios, staff education requirements, immunization of staff and children and many other health and safety issues.  Click here for more Information on Pennsylvania Group Day Care Homes.

Child Center Care – allows care for 7 or more children, in a nonresidential setting. The maximum number of children in care is determined by the size of the center. Center based care is regulated and checked by inspectors at least once a year, has a complaint and follow-up system. Regulations control the amount of space per child, provider/child ratios, staff education requirements, immunization of staff and children and many other health and safety issues.  Click here for more Information on Pennsylvania Child Care Centers.

PA State Types of Child Care - Regulations

Click Here to view the full set of Pennsylvania Family Day Care Homes Regulations

Click Here to view the full set of Pennsylvania Child Care Group Home Regulations

Click Here to view the full set of Pennsylvania Child Care Center Regulations