How many children can a child minder care for?

In most cases, a person who has been certified as a Child Care Home Provider in the United States is qualified to be responsible for up to 6 children. If the caretaker is certified as a Group Child Care Home Provider, the limit is 12 children with a certified assistant.

In the United States, certification as a Child Care Home Provider is only necessary if a person is planning to care for more than three children that are not directly related to them. Child Care Home Provider certifications must be renewed twice per year. Other certifications vary in their renewal requirements.