The official list of registered day care providers will soon be be published in the official Government Gazette (the Bermuda Sun).

Unregistered persons who may have been providing day-care will not be penalised if they voluntarily contact the Department before the end of April.

The Department urges all persons providing day care to contact them to ensure they can become registered and have their names included on the list.

The law requires all persons who provide day-care for up to three children for reward to be registered with the Department of Health. Persons providing care for more than three children must make application for a day care centre.

In order to qualify as a registered day-care provider, the applicant is first screened by agencies that include the Police and Family Services to ensure they are fit and proper to provide service.

Homes are inspected by the Environmental Health Officer to ensure suitability under the prescribed standards. Periodic inspections are carried out on the premises where children are cared for.

The cost of registration is $6.