Inquiries regarding the licensing of residential child care facilities or child-placing agencies are referred to the licensing staff in whose geographical area the inquirer is located.  Upon receipt of an inquiry, the licensing staff provides the inquirer with a copy of the applicable requirements and, when appropriate, makes referrals to other agencies involved in licensing residential child care facilities or child-placing agencies, such as the fire department, health department, and local city regulatory offices. When the inquirer has informed licensing they are currently providing care for children procedures in OAC 340:110-1-54.1 are followed.  Licensing informs the inquirer they are not to provide care of children without permission to operate by Oklahoma Child Care Services (OCCS). When the inquirer indicates an interest in becoming licensed, the licensing staff:  • 1 & 2

• (1) reviews the requirements with the inquirer to help him or her determine whether the requirements can be met;
• (2) determines the qualifications of the inquirer to operate a facility; and
• (3) provides consultation to assist in the development of a residential child care facility or child-placing agency that can provide quality care.