Final Steps for Licensing
Licensing and Final Preparation
Once you pass the inspection, your Program Specialist will recommend that you get a provisional license.
SECTION EIGHTEEN
TDHS STEP 15
Receive Provisional License.
Establishment Grant
After passing your final inspection, you can apply for an Establishment Grant through TDHS. The center will only be eligible for an Establishment Grant if the center is planning to or already has enrolled in the TDHS certificate program, which cannot be applied for until after TDHS has given the provisional license.
Request information from your Program Specialist about available grants.
Be sure to let your Program Specialist know you are interested in applying. You will receive information from TDHS both before and after you receive your license.
TDHS STEP 11
Complete and submit application for Establishment Grant.
Your Program Specialist can help guide you in gathering the documentation required to apply and receive grants.
TDHS STEP 12, 13
About Establishment Grants
Through Establishment and Expansion Grants, TDHS uses American Rescue Plan Act administrative dollars to provide financial support for furniture, equipment, supply, and curriculum costs associated with opening a new child care agency or expanding licensed capacity at an existing agency.
Pro tip: Maximizing your budget with the grant
Your center will not be reimbursed for any purchase made prior to being awarded this grant. This typically leaves a very small window to order equipment – after receiving a provisional license and before opening. Plan ample time and labor for assembling furniture and equipment. This was reported as a burden by multiple centers.
Child and Adult Care Food Program
The center can enroll in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), a federal program that provides reimbursements for nutritious meals and snacks to eligible children who are enrolled for care at participating child care centers and day care homes.
Enrolling in the program requires 3rd party management. The center must select their vendor, and coordinate with the 3rd party management.
Evaluate if the program is appropriate for your center.
Review CACFP vendors.
Select a CACFP vendor and make contact.
Finalize CACFP enrollment with vendor.
Pro tip: Finding a CACFP vendor
If enrolling in this program is appropriate for your center, you can locate potential 3rd party vendors by visiting childcaretennessee.com. You will need to set up an account to access information on this website.
Complete Staffing Requirements
If the center is new and opening for the first time, all staff must meet TDHS training requirements. The TDHS Program Specialist will send the required training that staff must complete before the center can be opened. Be advised that all staff must complete ongoing training to maintain licensure.
Complete background checks and other TDHS requirements.
TDHS requires all staff to have background checks, a physical, and three letters of recommendation for these requirements.
All hired staff complete TDHS training requirements.
These training sessions take approximately 20 hours. Whether or not staff is paid for this training time is up to the discretion of the child care center Director.
Pro tip: Don’t let training delay your opening day
If possible, the center should request to receive these materials earlier in the process so that staff can complete these trainings prior to opening. Some directors shared experiences around the delaying of their opening dates because training materials had not been received until after the initially planned opening date.