How can I find out if an individual is a licensed daycare provider without demanding paperwork?

Is there a website? This is for the state of colorado.

if someone isnt willing to show paperwork i dont care if they are licensed you dont need them.

Are they required to be licensed by the state or the city?? If it is by the city then go to or call city hall and ask them to check. If it is state, go to your state website, search using license and daycare. http://www.colorado.gov/index.html . If it isn't required by the state or city, just ask. Better safe than sorry and no one would be offended by you asking, if they are licensed. In fact, those who are licensed should be offering that you see their license.

My mother is licensed to do daycare in WI and she legally has to have her certificate in plain view at all times to let people know about her credentials. Also, in WI all you have to do is call your county social services office, and they can give you a list of all the certified and licensed daycare providers in your county. I would give them a call, and remember you dont need to feel bad about asking for paperwork-you only want whats best for your kids!

Check to see if your state has a child welfare office, such as the Department of Children & Families. They should be able to tell you as they are the ones who inspect any childcare provider.
They may also be able to tell you if there have been any complaints against that provider.

just ask for it. They'll understand. If they don't want to show it, find another daycare. :)

You should ask to see the license. This is a safety issue.
The licensed providers have provided fingerprints to ensure that your child isn't endangered.

Here's the information on the state regulators. You can ask them first, but don't wimp out on being a caring parent. What could be more important than your child's well-being? It also is a sign to the provider that you care.

Colorado Dept. of Human Services, Office of Child Care (303) 866-5958.

You don't have to demand it. Just ask to see their certification. If they are certified they will have no reason not to show it to you. I don't think they have a website where you can look up the information.

A licensed day care must have the license posted where it can be seen.

If I am going to entrust someone else for the care of my child, I would demand the paperwork. I know that you are trying not to offend anyone, or call them a liar, but I would defiantly demand the paperwork. entrusting someone else with your child is very serious. The net is not always reliable. If they also do not offer their documentation and certification to anyone who looks to them for child care, I wouldn't use them.

Demand the paper work. I usually say "and do you have an area where you display your licenses? How about up to date health certificates?" If they are offended RUN!!!!! Most places expect you to ask and some preempt you by showing you all the necessary paperwork so you don't need to ask.