Child care licensing regulations are designed to reduce the risk of harm to children while they are participating in out of home care. In examining national research, state statistics, and the best practices of states that have been recognized as having effective licensing systems, Ohio has identified those rule areas which could lead to the greatest risk of harm. These rules were also looked at through the lens of meeting three criteria: any non-compliances must be observable, not inferable; they must truly lead to the greatest risk of harm to children; and they must be defendable.

The most egregious offenses are considered Serious Risk Non-Compliance (SRNC) and are 6 points. Moderate Risk Non-Compliance (MRNC) are 3 points. All other non-compliances are considered 'low risk' and valued as 1 point. A program will not be eligible for a star rating or a star rating may be reduced or removed if a program has a 6 point serious risk, or a total of 24 points or  more of serious and moderate risk non-compliances in a 12-month period.

These guides contain information and suggestions for systems that programs can implement to help achieve and maintain compliance with the most commonly cited serious risk non-compliances.