Who is authorized to operate a child care facility?

The authorization to operate a child care facility primarily rests with the owner. The owner is responsible for ensuring that the facility complies with all relevant laws, regulations, and operational guidelines. This includes obtaining the necessary licenses and permits, maintaining a safe environment for children, and adhering to health and safety standards. The owner typically has the final authority over the facility's operations and can delegate tasks to others, such as directors or managers, but retains overall responsibility.

In many jurisdictions, the term "operator" may refer to entities or individuals who run the daily operations of the facility but do not hold the legal ownership or ultimate responsibility. While directors and managers play critical roles in the administration and day-to-day management of a child care center, it is the owner who possesses the legal authority to operate the facility under the scope of child care regulations.