Child care licensing regulations are designed to reduce the risk of harm to children while they are in out-of-home care. By examining national research, state statistics, and best practices from states with effective licensing systems, Ohio has identified key rule areas that pose the greatest risk of harm. These rules were evaluated using three criteria:

• Non-compliances must be observable, not inferred.
• They must truly present the greatest risk of harm to children.
• They must be defensible.

Licensing non-compliances have point values by the level of possible risk to a child's health and safety. Extremely harmful offensives are Serious Risk Non-Compliance (SRNC) and are six points. Moderate Risk Non-Compliance (MRNC) are three points. All other non-compliances are 'low risk' and valued as one point. 

Select "Resources" on the left to explore helpful tools to reduce non-compliances in your program.