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Child care center licensing by state

Daycare in a non-residential building, licensed in every state

Every state and DC licenses child care centers. What differs is where the line falls between a center and a home-based program, how many children trigger the license, and which agency holds the file. Most states define a center by two things: care happens outside the provider’s own home, and it serves more children than a family child care home may take.

The number of children that triggers a license

Michigan licenses any non-home facility caring for one child under 13, and Minnesota, New Mexico and Rhode Island set no minimum number either, so any program outside a home needs a license. North Carolina starts at three preschoolers or nine school-age children, Illinois at more than three children outside a family home, and Utah at five unrelated children. Arkansas, New Jersey and Mississippi start at six. Texas, Ohio, Georgia, Pennsylvania and Louisiana start at seven. Alaska, Delaware, Kansas, Tennessee and West Virginia start at 13, Montana at 16 and South Dakota at 21. Wisconsin raised its group center threshold from nine to 13 children on August 1, 2026.

Many names for the same business

Georgia issues a Child Care Learning Center license, Louisiana an Early Learning Center license, DC a Child Development Center license, Virginia a Licensed Child Day Center and Washington a Center Early Learning Program License. Pennsylvania issues a certificate of compliance and Oregon a Certified Child Care Center. Florida, Arizona and Mississippi use Child Care Facility. In Massachusetts the license is Large Group and School Age Child Care.

One license or several

Many states put a mid-size tier between the family home and the center. Connecticut, Hawaii and Idaho license group homes or facilities for seven to 12 children, Missouri a group child care home for up to 20, South Dakota a group family day care home for 13 to 20, and North Dakota a group license for eight to 30 children, with the center license required above 30. Others split the center license itself: Colorado has small (up to 15) and large centers, Kentucky Type I and Type II, and Louisiana Types I, II and III depending on whether you take state or federal funds. Maine’s Child Care Facility License covers a center for 13 or more children and a small facility for three to 12. Kansas, Nebraska and North Dakota license preschools or school-age programs separately.

Who issues the license

The agency is often not a health or social services department. Colorado, Georgia, Kansas, New Mexico and Oregon have stand-alone early childhood agencies, and Arkansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri and Virginia license centers through their education departments. Mississippi licenses them through its health department. A few places license locally: the Municipality of Anchorage in Alaska, the New York City health department (which issues a group child care permit), and county agencies in Broward, Palm Beach, Pinellas and Sarasota in Florida.

Religious exemptions

Several states let church-run centers skip the license. Alabama church-affiliated centers may operate license-exempt, Indiana church programs may register as a ministry, Virginia religious institutions may file an annual exemption statement, and Maryland regulates some religious programs through a Letter of Compliance. South Carolina registers church-owned centers that take no state or federal child care funds.

None of the 51 verified state records lists a certificate of need or a moratorium for child care centers.

Recent changes

Since July 1, 2026, the new Illinois Department of Early Childhood has licensed centers instead of DCFS, and an Illinois law effective January 1, 2025 allows centers to operate 24 hours or longer. Two Idaho laws effective July 1, 2025 amended the definitions and ratio sections of the daycare law and repealed its local-option section. Florida’s general requirements rule took effect September 1, 2026, and Georgia amended its center rules effective September 22, 2026. Oregon, Iowa and New Mexico also adopted center rule changes effective in September 2026.

Across the 50 states and DC

What each state requires to operate, at our last review

51 of 51
License required
Guides
51 below

Child care center rules in every state

All states
Child care center licensing in each state: requirement, official license name, agency and size threshold
Alabama License required Day Care Center license (Nighttime Center license for care after 7:00 p.m.) Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR), Child Care Services Division More than 12 children for daytime care
Alaska License required Child Care Center license Alaska Department of Health, Division of Public Assistance, Child Care Program Office A child care facility for 13 or more children
Arizona License required Child Care Facility license Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), Bureau of Child Care Licensing 5 or more unrelated children for pay
Arkansas License required Licensed Child Care Center Arkansas Department of Education, Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of Early Childhood (OEC), Child Care Licensing Unit 6+ children from more than one family, outside a family home
California License required Child Care Center license California Department of Social Services (CDSS), Community Care Licensing Division, Child Care Licensing Program Any non-medical child care outside a family child care home
Colorado License required Child Care Center license (small or large child care center) Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC), Division of Early Learning Licensing and Administration (DELLA) Small center up to 15 children; large center 16 or more
Connecticut License required Child Care Center license (and Group Child Care Home license) Office of Early Childhood (OEC), Licensing Center: more than 12 children; group home: 7 to 12
Delaware License required Early Care and Education and School-Age Center license Delaware Department of Education, Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) Care for 13 or more children, including your own, under 24 hours a day
District of Columbia License required Child Development Center license Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), Child Care Licensing More than 12 children, in premises other than your home
Florida License required Child Care Facility license DCF More than 5 unrelated children for pay, outside a family home
Georgia License required Child Care Learning Center license Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) 7 or more children, under 24 hours a day
Hawaii License required License to Operate a Group Child Care Center or Group Child Care Home Department of Human Services (DHS), Child Care Licensing Unit 7 to 12 children in a home, or any child care facility not in a private home
Idaho License required Basic Daycare License (daycare center or group daycare facility) Idaho Department of Health and Welfare 7 or more children for pay (group 7-12; center 13+)
Illinois License required Day Care Center license (statute now: early care and education center) Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC), Child Care Licensing More than 3 children outside a family home (more than 8 in a family home)
Indiana License required Licensed Child Care Center Indiana FSSA, Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning Child care outside a home for 4-24 hours a day; church ministries may register
Iowa License required Child care center license Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Child Care Regulation Child care or preschool for 7 or more children, outside a registered home
Kansas License required Child Care Center license Kansas Office of Early Childhood (KOEC), Child Care Licensing 13 or more children for 3+ hours a day, or fewer if licensed as a center
Kentucky License required Child-Care Center License (Type I or Type II) Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), Office of Inspector General, Division of Regulated Child Care Type I: 4+ children outside a home or 13+ apart; Type II: 7-12 at home
Louisiana License required Early Learning Center License (Type I, II or III) Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE), Office of Early Childhood 7 or more unrelated children, 12.5+ hours in a week
Maine License required Child Care Facility License (child care center, small child care facility or nursery school) Maine DHHS, Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS), Children's Licensing and Investigation Unit 3 to 12 children outside your home (small), or 13 or more (center)
Maryland License required Child Care Center License Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Office of Child Care (OCC) Care at least twice a week for children of different parents, outside a home
Massachusetts License required Large Group and School Age Child Care License Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) Outside a home: over 10 children is Large Group; 10 or fewer is Small Group
Michigan License required Child Care Center license Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP), Child Care Licensing Bureau 1 or more children under 13 in a facility that is not a private home
Minnesota License required Child Care Center License Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), Licensing Any child care program outside a family home, unless excluded
Mississippi License required Child Care Facility license Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), Bureau of Child Care Facilities Licensure 6 or more unrelated children under 13, any part of the day
Missouri License required Child Care Center license (Group Child Care Home license for up to 20 children) Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Office of Childhood Group child care home: up to 20 children; center: any number, not in a home
Montana License required Day-Care Center license Montana DPHHS, Early Childhood and Family Support Division, Child Care Licensing An out-of-home place caring for 16 or more children
Nebraska License required Child Care Center license (also School-Age-Only Center and Preschool) Nebraska DHHS, Licensure Unit 13 or more children; school-age-only centers also 13 or more
Nevada License required Child care facility license: Child Care Center Nevada Department of Human Services, Division of Social Services (Child Care Licensing) More than 12 children, day or night care
New Hampshire License required Group Child Day Care Center license (also small group, school-age, night care) DHHS, Child Care Licensing Unit Group care for preschoolers outside a home; school-age programs of 6+
New Jersey License required Child Care Center License Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Licensing 6 or more children under 13, under 24 hours a day
New Mexico License required Child Care Center license Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) Children cared for under 24 hours a day in a non-residential setting
New York License required Child day care center license (outside New York City); group child care permit (New York City) Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) outside New York City 7+ children licensed (3-6 register); NYC uses a city permit
North Carolina License required Child Care Center License (star-rated license) NC DHHS, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) 3+ preschoolers or 9+ school-age children at one time, outside a home
North Dakota License required Child care center license (group child care license for 8-30 children) North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Early Childhood Services 8-30 children: group child care license; more than 30: center license
Ohio License required Child Care Center license Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) 7 or more children at one time outside the provider's home
Oklahoma License required Child Care Center license Oklahoma Human Services (OKDHS), Child Care Services Licensing Program open 30+ hours a week; no child-count threshold
Oregon License required Certified Child Care Center Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC), Child Care Licensing Division Child care outside a family home, usually a commercial building
Pennsylvania License required Certificate of compliance: child care center Department of Human Services, Office of Child Development and Early Learning (regional offices) 7 or more unrelated children at one time
Rhode Island License required Child Care Center license (Child Care Center and School Age Program) Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Care Licensing Any child under 16 cared for outside a home; no minimum count
South Carolina License required Child Care Center license South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS), Child Care Licensing 13 or more children; church-run centers register instead of licensing
South Dakota License required Day Care Center license (also Group Family Day Care Home license for 13-20 children) Department of Social Services (DSS), Child Care Services 21+ children; 13-20 children is a group family day care home license
Tennessee License required Child Care Center license Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS), Child Care Licensing 13+ unrelated children, 3+ hours a day
Texas License required Licensed Child Care Center Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), Child Care Regulation 7+ children under 14, away from the operator's home
Utah License required Child Care Center License Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Licensing and Background Checks, Office of Licensing 5 or more unrelated children outside a home, ongoing 4+ weeks a year
Vermont License required Center Based Child Care and Preschool Program (CBCCPP) license Vermont Department for Children and Families, Child Development Division (CDD) Any program caring for children outside a home; capacity set on the license
Virginia License required Licensed Child Day Center Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), Office of Child Care Health and Safety 2+ children under 13 outside a home, or 13+ children anywhere
Washington License required Center Early Learning Program License Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), Child Care Licensing Regular group child care under 24 hours a day, outside a family home
West Virginia License required Child Care Center license West Virginia Department of Human Services, Bureau for Family Assistance, Division of Early Care and Education 13 or more children in any setting, open over 30 days a year
Wisconsin License required Licensed Group Child Care Center Department of Children and Families (DCF), Bureau of Early Care Regulation 13 or more children, usually outside a home
Wyoming License required Child care center license Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS), Child Care Licensing Non-residential building licensed for 16 or more children

License names link to our guide where we have one, otherwise to the agency’s own page. Agency names and size thresholds are shortened here; state hubs give them in full.

Child care center guides

All guides

  1. Alabama day care center license: DHR rules, ratios and application

    How to license an Alabama day care center under DHR's performance standards (660-5-26): the 12-child threshold, church exemption, ratios, director rules and ARISE.

    Alabama · Child care centerUpdated

  2. Alaska child care center license: State and Anchorage rules for 13+ children

    Licensing a child care center in Alaska: State CCPO or Anchorage Health Department, 7 AAC 57 ratios, 35/75 sq ft space, administrator education, fire approval, AKCCIS.

    Alaska · Child care centerUpdated

  3. California child care center license: how CDSS licenses a center

    How California licenses child care centers: the single license and its age components, director units, ratios, space, fees and the 2026-27 changes.

    California · Child care centerUpdated

  4. Kansas child care center license: opening a center under KOEC

    How a Kansas child care center or preschool gets licensed by the Office of Early Childhood: fire occupancy, space, ratios, director rules, training and steps.

    Kansas · Child care centerUpdated

  5. Massachusetts group and school age child care license: Large and Small Group rules

    How Massachusetts licenses child care centers, preschools and after-school programs: Large vs Small Group, EEC steps in LEAD, space, ratios, staff tiers and fees.

    Massachusetts · Child care centerUpdated

  6. Minnesota child care center license: DCYF rules, phases and fees

    Opening a licensed child care center in Minnesota: the 9503 rules, DCYF's three-phase Provider Hub application, ratios, staff qualifications, space and fees.

    Minnesota · Child care centerUpdated

  7. Nebraska child care center license: the provisional year, rules and steps

    How a Nebraska child care center gets licensed under 391 NAC 3: who needs it, director rules, ratios, space, insurance, fingerprints, fees and the provisional year.

    Nebraska · Child care centerUpdated

  8. New York child day care center license: OCFS outside NYC, a city permit inside

    Opening a child care center in New York: OCFS license or small-center registration outside NYC, the NYC Group Child Care permit, ratios, space, staff and steps.

    New York · Child care centerUpdated

  9. North Carolina child care center license: from workshop to star rating

    Opening a child care center in North Carolina: the required DCDEE workshop, space rules, ratios, credentials, inspections, fees, temporary license and star ratings.

    North Carolina · Child care centerUpdated

  10. Texas child care center license: the HHSC permit, step by step

    How a Texas child care center gets licensed by HHSC Child Care Regulation: orientation, director credentials, space, ratios, training, fees, and 2025-2026 changes.

    Texas · Child care centerUpdated

  11. Virginia child day center license: how a center gets licensed by VDOE

    Opening a licensed child day center in Virginia: who must be licensed, VDOE orientation and application, space, ratios, director rules, fees and the pending 8VAC20-781.

    Virginia · Child care centerUpdated

  12. Arizona child care facility license: how ADHS licenses a center

    Opening a child care center in Arizona: the ADHS license, who is exempt, director qualifications, ratios, square footage, fire and gas inspections, and fees.

    Arizona · Child care centerReviewed

  13. Arkansas child care center license: OEC rules, steps and fees

    How to license a child care center in Arkansas: the Office of Early Childhood process, pre-licensing class, insurance minimums, ratios, director rules, space and fees.

    Arkansas · Child care centerReviewed

  14. Colorado child care center license: small and large centers under CDEC

    Licensing a child care center in Colorado: small vs. large centers, director letters, ratios, square footage, zoning and fire approvals, fees and the Provider Hub.

    Colorado · Child care centerReviewed

  15. Connecticut child care center license: OEC rules, staffing and steps

    How to license a child care center or group child care home in Connecticut: OEC application, $500 four-year fee, head teacher, four consultants, space and lead rules.

    Connecticut · Child care centerReviewed

  16. Delaware child care center license: the OCCL Early Care and Education and School-Age Center license

    How to license a Delaware child care center or school-age program with OCCL: the 13-child threshold, DE First staff credentials, ratios, 35 sq ft rule and steps.

    Delaware · Child care centerReviewed

  17. DC child development center license: opening a daycare center in Washington

    How a child care center gets licensed in Washington, DC: OSSE orientation, DOB Certificate of Occupancy, space and ratios, 2025 staff education rules, fees and renewal.

    District of Columbia · Child care centerReviewed

  18. Florida child care facility license: how a center gets licensed

    Licensing a child care center in Florida: who licenses you (DCF or one of four counties), square footage, ratios, director credential, training, fees and VPK.

    Florida · Child care centerReviewed

  19. Georgia Child Care Learning Center license: opening a center under DECAL

    How a Georgia child care center gets licensed by DECAL: the 7-child threshold, orientation, director credentials, ratios, space rules, KOALA filing and fees.

    Georgia · Child care centerReviewed

  20. Hawaii group child care center license: DHS rules, ratios and steps

    How Hawaii DHS licenses group child care centers and group child care homes: the 2-and-older age rule, ratios, director qualifications, space, forms and renewal.

    Hawaii · Child care centerReviewed

  21. Idaho Basic Daycare License: opening a daycare center or group facility

    How Idaho licenses daycare centers and group daycare facilities: the 7-child trigger, the 12-point ratio system, fire and health inspections, fees and renewal.

    Idaho · Child care centerReviewed

  22. Illinois day care center license: permit, staffing and building rules

    How an Illinois child care center gets licensed by the Department of Early Childhood: who needs it, the six-month permit, director and teacher rules, ratios and space.

    Illinois · Child care centerReviewed

  23. Indiana child care center license: OECOSL rules, ratios and steps

    How to license a child care center in Indiana: the ministry alternative, the ratio chart in force since December 2025, plan review, director rules and inspections.

    Indiana · Child care centerReviewed

  24. Iowa child care center license: HHS rules, ratios and steps

    Licensing a child care center or preschool in Iowa: the 7-child threshold, building and fire approval, the 100-point director rule, ratios, fees and 120-day opening.

    Iowa · Child care centerReviewed

  25. Kentucky child-care center license: Type I and Type II centers

    How Kentucky licenses child-care centers: Type I vs Type II, the $50 fee, Fire Marshal and zoning sign-offs, director rules, ratios, space and background checks.

    Kentucky · Child care centerReviewed

  26. Louisiana early learning center license: Type I, II or III and how to get one

    Opening a child care center in Louisiana: the 7-child threshold, Type I, II and III licenses, Bulletin 137 space and ratio rules, director qualifications and fees.

    Louisiana · Child care centerReviewed

  27. Maine child care facility license: centers, small facilities and nursery schools

    How to license a child care center, small child care facility or nursery school in Maine: Ch. 32 ratios, director qualifications, fire permits, water tests and fees.

    Maine · Child care centerReviewed

  28. Maryland child care center license: MSDE rules, staffing and steps

    Licensing a child care center in Maryland: notice of intent, two orientations, the 60-day packet, director tiers, ratios, space rules and the two-year first license.

    Maryland · Child care centerReviewed

  29. Michigan child care center license: MiLEAP rules, ratios and steps

    Licensing a child care center in Michigan: the four center types, Bureau of Fire Services plan review, square footage, ratios, program administrator rules and fees.

    Michigan · Child care centerReviewed

  30. Mississippi child care facility license: how a center gets licensed by MSDH

    Opening a child care center in Mississippi: the six-child threshold, MSDH capacity math, ratios, director qualifications, the pre-opening packet, fees and CCPP.

    Mississippi · Child care centerReviewed

  31. Opening a child care center in Missouri: director tiers, ratios and the DESE inspection sequence

    How Missouri licenses group child care homes and centers under 5 CSR 25-500: exemptions, director credit tiers, 2024 ratios, fire-alarm thresholds and DESE steps.

    Missouri · Child care centerReviewed

  32. Montana day-care center license: rules, staffing and steps under ARM 37.96

    How to license a Montana day-care center for 16 or more children: the 2025 ARM 37.96 rules, fire and health certificates, ratios, staff roles, training and no state fee.

    Montana · Child care centerReviewed

  33. Nevada child care center license: rules, ratios and the 90-day roadmap

    How to license a Nevada child care center for 13+ children: the Division of Social Services roadmap, director rules, ratios, space, fire code, fees and letter grades.

    Nevada · Child care centerReviewed

  34. New Hampshire group child day care center license: permit, rules and steps

    Opening a child care center in New Hampshire: program types, the 6-month permit, local sign-offs, 35 sq ft rule, director qualifications, ratios and background checks.

    New Hampshire · Child care centerReviewed

  35. New Jersey child care center license: DCF Office of Licensing rules and steps

    How to license a child care center in New Jersey: the six-child threshold, CO use groups, square footage, ratios, director and head teacher rules, fees and NJCCIS steps.

    New Jersey · Child care centerReviewed

  36. Opening a licensed child care center in New Mexico

    How New Mexico licenses child care centers under 8.9.4 NMAC: who needs one, local approvals, space, director rules, ratios, star levels and Universal Child Care rates.

    New Mexico · Child care centerReviewed

  37. Licensing a child care center in North Dakota: group facility or center

    How North Dakota splits group child care (8-30 children) from child care centers, plus director rules, ratios, space, fire and food inspections, fees and CCL steps.

    North Dakota · Child care centerReviewed

  38. Ohio child care center license: DCY rules, steps and the provisional year

    Licensing a child care center in Ohio under OAC 5180:2-12: who needs one, the $50 DCY application, building and fire sign-offs, ratios, space and administrator rules.

    Ohio · Child care centerReviewed

  39. Oklahoma child care center license: how OKDHS licenses a center

    Licensing a child care center in Oklahoma: the 30-hour test, fire and health inspections, director credential, ratios, square footage, insurance and the OKDHS process.

    Oklahoma · Child care centerReviewed

  40. Oregon certified child care center: how DELC certifies a center

    Opening a child care center in Oregon: the DELC certificate, zoning first, 35 sq ft per child, ratios, director and teacher qualifications, fees and timing.

    Oregon · Child care centerReviewed

  41. Pennsylvania child care center certificate of compliance: how to get one

    Opening a child care center in Pennsylvania: the DHS certificate of compliance, the group home overlap, orientation, the application, space, ratios and staff degrees.

    Pennsylvania · Child care centerReviewed

  42. Rhode Island child care center license: DHS rules, space and steps

    How a Rhode Island child care center or school age program gets licensed by DHS: RISES application, inspections, floor space, ratios, leadership roles, $500 fee.

    Rhode Island · Child care centerReviewed

  43. South Carolina child care center license: from DSS orientation to a regular license

    Licensing a child care center in South Carolina: the 13-child threshold, church exemption, director qualifications, space, ratios, DSS steps and the 45-day evaluation.

    South Carolina · Child care centerReviewed

  44. South Dakota day care center license: floor plans, fire code and DSS rules

    How to license a day care center (21+ children) or group family day care home (13-20) in South Dakota: floor plan review, fire code, ratios, director rules.

    South Dakota · Child care centerReviewed

  45. Tennessee child care center license: the DHS process from intake to continuous license

    How to license a child care center in Tennessee: the 13-child threshold, DHS pre-licensure steps, director routes, ratios, space rules, insurance and monitoring.

    Tennessee · Child care centerReviewed

  46. Utah child care center license: thresholds, rules and fees under R381-100

    How to license a child care center in Utah: the five-child threshold, exemptions, director credentials, ratios, square footage, background checks and FY 2027 fees.

    Utah · Child care centerReviewed

  47. Vermont center-based child care license: the CBCCPP process

    How to license a child care center or preschool in Vermont: the three-phase CDD application, space and ratio rules, director qualifications and the Act 76 changes.

    Vermont · Child care centerReviewed

  48. Opening a child care center in Washington: the DCYF center early learning program license

    How a Washington child care center gets its DCYF license: who must be licensed, director credentials, ratios, square footage, the 90-day packet, fees and 2026 changes.

    Washington · Child care centerReviewed

  49. West Virginia child care center license: from letter of intent to opening

    Licensing a child care center in West Virginia: the 13-child threshold, letter of intent, Fire Marshal and health approvals, director tiers, ratios and space.

    West Virginia · Child care centerReviewed

  50. Wisconsin group child care center license: DCF 251 rules and steps

    How to license a group child care center in Wisconsin: the new 13-child threshold, DCF pre-licensing, director qualifications, ratios, space, fees and timelines.

    Wisconsin · Child care centerReviewed

  51. Wyoming child care center license: DFS rules, ratios and the application

    How to license a child care center (16+ children) in Wyoming: DFS application items, the $25 fee, director rules, ratios, square footage, fire and food inspections.

    Wyoming · Child care centerReviewed

Beyond the state licenseEntity and EIN, caregiver pay rules, NPI, Medicaid or Medicare enrollment, EVV and background checks.Child care ratios by stateStaff-to-child ratios and group sizes for each age band, from every state’s center rules.

Other care business types

All license types