Become a Relative Provider

Who Can Apply

To qualify as a relative care provider, you must be the child’s:

• Grandparent
• Great-grandparent
• Aunt or uncle
• Sibling age 18 or older (and not living in the child’s home)

Note: Applicants must provide documentation verifying their qualifying relationship (e.g., birth certificates, marriage licenses).

Home & Safety Requirements

If care is provided in the relative’s home:
The home must be listed with Child Care Regulation, which includes:

• A $20 listing fee
• A carbon monoxide detector
• Background checks for all household members age 14+
• Meeting minimum standards for listed family homes

If care is provided in the child’s home:
Relative providers may only provide care in the child’s home if the relative does not live with the child unless:

• The child is the child of a teen parent, or
• The parent documents that other child care options are not reasonably available. Factors considered when determining reasonable availability include the parent’s work schedule, availability of adequate transportation, and the age of the child.