Most States do not impose training requirements for family childcare providers. However, many local governments offer training and require family childcare providers to obtain licenses. Home safety inspections and criminal background checks are usually required of an applicant. In the case of child daycare centers, however, staffing requirements are imposed primarily by the States and by insurers. Although requirements vary, in most cases a minimum age of 18 is required for teachers, and directors or officers must be at least 21. In some States, assistants may work at age 16, and in several States, at 14.

Most States have established minimum educational or training requirements. Training requirements are most stringent for directors, less so for teachers, and minimal for childcare workers and teacher assistants. In many centers, directors must have a college degree, often with experience in child daycare and specific training in early childhood development. Teachers must have a high school diploma and, in many cases, a combination of college education and experience. Assistants and childcare workers usually need a high school diploma, but it is not always a requirement. Some employers prefer to hire workers who have received credentials from a nationally recognized child daycare organization.

Many States also mandate other types of training for staff members, such as health and first aid, fire safety, and child abuse detection and prevention. In nearly all States, licensing regulations require criminal record checks for all child daycare staff. This screening requirement protects children from abuse and reduces liability risks, making insurance more available and affordable.

State governments also have established requirements for other child daycare center personnel involved in food preparation, transportation of children, provision of medical services, and other services. Most States have defined minimum staff-to-children ratios. These vary depending on the State and the age of the children involved.