What are the main types of child care licenses in Kentucky?

Kentucky offers several types of child care licenses: Licensed Early Childhood Facility Type I, for four or more children in a non-residential setting or 13+ children in a residential setting; Licensed Early Childhood Facility Type II, for seven to 12 children (including related children); and Certified Family Child Care Home, for up to 10 children (no more than six unrelated and four related) in the caregiver's home. There's also the Registered Early Childhood Professional for situations involving family/friend care of a small number of children.

Do I need a license if I only care for a few children?

The Division of Regulated Child Care does not regulate providers caring for three or fewer children who are not related to them. However, if you care for more than three unrelated children, you generally must be certified or licensed, unless you fall into an explicitly exempt category as detailed in 922 KAR 2:090. It is crucial to check the specific regulations to determine if your situation requires certification or licensure.

Who conducts inspections of child care facilities in Kentucky?

On-site visits and inspections of all Kentucky licensed child care centers and certified family child care homes are conducted by the DRCC branch offices, part of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. These visits determine compliance with applicable regulations and involve investigating complaints. Facilities must cooperate with these inspections to maintain their license or certification.

Where can I find training and technical assistance for opening a child care business in Kentucky?

Child Care Aware of Kentucky offers a free class titled 'Getting Started in Child Care' for potential providers and provides health and safety coaches. The Family Child Care Network (FCCN) assists those opening and maintaining certified family child care homes with technical assistance and training. These organisations are vital resources for understanding regulatory requirements and best practices in early childhood education in Kentucky.

Are there any financial assistance programs for families that could benefit my future enrolment?

Yes, Kentucky operates the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which helps eligible families pay for child care. Licensed Type I, Type II, and Certified providers approved by the state can receive CCAP funds. Additionally, child care subsidies are available for families participating in the Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program (KTAP) and child protective services cases. This program can significantly increase access to your services for qualifying families.

Can I sell or transfer my child care license to another owner?

No, a license for a child care center in Kentucky cannot be sold or transferred. If there is a change of ownership, the new owner must submit an initial application to the Division of Regulated Child Care (DRCC) for approval before implementation. Operating a child care center under new ownership without DRCC approval is considered illegal, and the DRCC may take action against the facility.

How to start a preschool in Kentucky

Prospective early childhood educators in Kentucky, opening a preschool or daycare presents a rewarding opportunity to shape young lives and contribute significantly to your community. The Commonwealth of Kentucky is committed to ensuring high-quality child care, and your venture will be regulated by the Division of Regulated Child Care, a division within the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. This body oversees the licensing and certification processes for all child care facilities, ensuring compliance with established health, safety, and educational standards. Understanding and navigating these regulations is paramount for a successful launch and sustained operation. Kentucky offers various pathways for child care provision, from home-based certified family child care to larger, non-residential licensed facilities. Support and resources are available throughout this journey, including technical assistance from Child Care Aware® of Kentucky and the Family Child Care Network. Familiarising yourself with the specific requirements for your chosen facility type, from staff qualifications to facility standards and curriculum guidelines, will be crucial to securing your license and establishing a nurturing environment for Kentucky's children.

Regulations

Health safety: All child care providers are mandated to protect children from abuse and neglect and to report any suspected incidents to the Cabinet. Facilities must have procedures in place for managing sick children, including exclusion policies and protocols for handling illness. Medication administration is strictly regulated, with clear rules for storage, including specific requirements for locking up medication, EpiPens, and emergency or rescue medications. First aid supplies must be accessible and staff trained in first aid. Hygienic practices, such as child and adult hand washing, not sharing personal items, and proper diapering procedures, are essential. Reporting incidents and accidents to the DRCC is also a requirement for licensed facilities.

Licensing overview: The Division of Regulated Child Care is responsible for licensing and investigating complaints against licensed child care facilities and certified family child care homes. The application process for a licence or certificate involves submitting specific application packets, which are available for both initial license and certified home applications. Once submitted, DRCC branch offices conduct on-site visits to determine compliance with applicable regulations. These visits form a crucial part of the inspection cadence, ensuring continuous adherence to health and safety standards. Licensed child care centers cannot transfer or sell their licenses; a change of ownership requires a new initial application to be submitted and approved by the DRCC before implementation.

Licensing authority: Division of Regulated Child Care, Cabinet for Health and Family Services

Staff qualifications: Directors of Type I and Type II facilities must be at least 21 years old, possess a high school diploma or GED, and complete child development training. Furthermore, they need specific educational credentials, such as a master's or bachelor's degree in education or a child development field, or an associate's degree in early childhood education with relevant experience. All staff members must be free of active tuberculosis, requiring confirmation every two years. Annually, staff must complete 15 hours of training, in addition to six hours of initial orientation and one-and-a-half hours of pediatric abusive head trauma training. A high school diploma or GED and a Commonwealth Childcare Credential are also required.

Facility requirements: Child care facilities in Kentucky must ensure a safe and healthy environment for children. While specific square footage per child is not explicitly detailed in provided sources for all facility types, Family Child Care Homes must provide 35 square feet of usable floor space per child. All facilities must comply with general health and safety standards, including ensuring the premises are free from risk of harm, maintaining appropriate heating, cooling, lighting, and ventilation. Harmful items must be inaccessible, and specific regulations regarding guns and ammunition are in place. Fire and safety codes, inclusive of inspections by the Fire Marshal, are a critical component for licensed facilities. Rest areas for infants and toddlers are specified, alongside requirements for outdoor play areas to be safe and equipped appropriately.

Curriculum requirements: Kentucky’s approach to early learning focuses on structured activities that support development across various domains. While not mandating a specific national framework like EYFS or NQF in the provided information, the regulations for Certified Family Child Care Homes specify 'Curriculum Areas' and 'Activities' to be implemented, alongside 'Self-Help Procedures'. These indicate an expectation for planned programming that promotes learning and independence. The Kentucky All STARS programme, a quality rating and improvement system, further incentivises providers to meet progressive standards in educational programming. The International Preschool Curriculum (IPC), which promotes academic rigor and holistic development, aligns well with Kentucky's emphasis on comprehensive early childhood development through structured and varied activities.

Startup costs

Startup costs for a preschool or daycare in Kentucky can vary significantly based on scale. A small, home-based certified family child care operation might incur lower initial costs, primarily for home modifications, initial supplies, and licensing fees. A larger, purpose-built child care center for 60-100 children will require substantial investment in property acquisition or long-term lease, construction or renovation, extensive equipment, and higher staffing levels, leading to the higher end of the estimates. Ongoing monthly operating costs are influenced by rent/mortgage, utilities, payroll, insurance, food provisions, and educational supplies.

Timeline

1. Initial Inquiry and Training (1-3 months): Aspiring providers should begin by contacting Child Care Aware of Kentucky or the Family Child Care Network for initial guidance. Child Care Aware offers a free 'Getting Started in Child Care' class to assist potential providers. This early stage involves understanding the various licensing types and the foundational requirements, including initial background check processes and health and safety training. Early engagement with these resources can streamline subsequent steps.

2. Application Submission and Background Checks (2-4 months): Once the facility type is determined, obtain and complete the relevant application packet from the Division of Regulated Child Care (DRCC). Simultaneously, all individuals associated with the facility must undergo a National Background Check Program process. This includes submitting fingerprints and clearing checks managed by the DRCC. This step is critical, as no care can be provided without cleared background checks for all relevant individuals.

3. Facility Preparation and Inspections (3-6 months): During the application review, focus on preparing your facility to meet Kentucky's specific health and safety standards. This involves ensuring the premises comply with all regulatory requirements, including those from the Fire Marshal. DRCC branch offices will conduct on-site visits to verify compliance. Any identified deficiencies will require a written plan of correction to be submitted and approved by the DRCC, potentially leading to further inspections.

4. Licence/Certification Issuance (1-2 months): Upon successful completion of all application requirements, including satisfactory background checks, facility inspections, and approval of any corrective action plans, the DRCC will issue your child care license or certificate. An initial license fee of $50 for child care centers or $10 for certified family child care homes is due at this stage. Once issued, you can officially begin providing child care services in Kentucky, subject to ongoing compliance and annual renewals.

5. Ongoing Compliance & Professional Development (Ongoing): After receiving the license, providers are required to maintain continuous compliance with all Kentucky Administrative Regulations. This includes annual license renewals ($25 for centers, bi-annual for others), 15 hours of annual training for staff, and regular health and safety checks. Participation in programs like Kentucky All STARS is encouraged for quality improvement and can offer additional support. Staying informed on regulatory updates and engaging in ongoing professional development ensures sustained high-quality care.

6. Enrolment in Support Programs (Ongoing (Parallel to Operation)): Providers should consider enrolling in support programmes such as the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) to help families with child care costs, thus broadening potential enrolment. Certified and Licensed providers are eligible for CCAP funds. Additionally, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services offers the child care management software, Brightwheel, for free to all Licensed and Certified child care programmes, which can assist with administration and attendance tracking.

Next steps: explore the IPC curriculum, read about preschool enrollment, or browse all start-a-preschool guides.

Frequently asked questions

What are the main types of child care licenses in Kentucky?: Kentucky offers several types of child care licenses: Licensed Early Childhood Facility Type I, for four or more children in a non-residential setting or 13+ children in a residential setting; Licensed Early Childhood Facility Type II, for seven to 12 children (including related children); and Certified Family Child Care Home, for up to 10 children (no more than six unrelated and four related) in the caregiver's home. There's also the Registered Early Childhood Professional for situations involving family/friend care of a small number of children.
Do I need a license if I only care for a few children?: The Division of Regulated Child Care does not regulate providers caring for three or fewer children who are not related to them. However, if you care for more than three unrelated children, you generally must be certified or licensed, unless you fall into an explicitly exempt category as detailed in 922 KAR 2:090. It is crucial to check the specific regulations to determine if your situation requires certification or licensure.
Who conducts inspections of child care facilities in Kentucky?: On-site visits and inspections of all Kentucky licensed child care centers and certified family child care homes are conducted by the DRCC branch offices, part of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. These visits determine compliance with applicable regulations and involve investigating complaints. Facilities must cooperate with these inspections to maintain their license or certification.
Where can I find training and technical assistance for opening a child care business in Kentucky?: Child Care Aware of Kentucky offers a free class titled 'Getting Started in Child Care' for potential providers and provides health and safety coaches. The Family Child Care Network (FCCN) assists those opening and maintaining certified family child care homes with technical assistance and training. These organisations are vital resources for understanding regulatory requirements and best practices in early childhood education in Kentucky.
Are there any financial assistance programs for families that could benefit my future enrolment?: Yes, Kentucky operates the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which helps eligible families pay for child care. Licensed Type I, Type II, and Certified providers approved by the state can receive CCAP funds. Additionally, child care subsidies are available for families participating in the Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program (KTAP) and child protective services cases. This program can significantly increase access to your services for qualifying families.
Can I sell or transfer my child care license to another owner?: No, a license for a child care center in Kentucky cannot be sold or transferred. If there is a change of ownership, the new owner must submit an initial application to the Division of Regulated Child Care (DRCC) for approval before implementation. Operating a child care center under new ownership without DRCC approval is considered illegal, and the DRCC may take action against the facility.