Some of the benefits are monetary. Paid at a higher rate on the food program, eligible for grants etc. Able to take state funding at a higher rate. Able to take more kids and increase income.

Some parents look for it. They see it as an extra safeguard for their child if they know that the state will pop in unannounced and inspect and that the provider is receiving ongoing child development training.

However, there are licensed providers who should be closed down and unlicensed providers who provide fantastic care.

I am licensed, but I always tell parents to choose by gut feeling and from references, never from the piece of paper on the wall.

Being licensed can sometimes be a pain due to paperwork, some nic-picky regs and so on.

So bottom line is your personal choice. If you are very private, prefer not to have regs dictating your life, go unlicensed. If you want more kids, and parents in your area seem to prefer licensed......then go licensed.

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