| License type | Childcare center |
| Regulating agency | Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services — Division of Child Care (DCC) — Office of Inspector General |
| Regulatory code | 922 KAR 2:090 (Standards for Certified Child Care Centers) |
| Infant ratio | 1:5 (max group: 10) |
| Toddler ratio | 1:7 (max group: 12) |
| Preschool ratio | 1:11 (max group: 24) |
Kentucky licensed childcare center: Staff-to-child ratio requirements
Licensed childcare centers in Kentucky must maintain specific staff-to-child ratios at all times as required by Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services under 922 KAR 2:090 (Standards for Certified Child Care Centers).
| Age group | Staff:child ratio | Max group size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infant (0–18 months) | 1:5 | 10 | Birth–12 months (922 KAR 2:090, eff. 7/18/2025) |
| Toddler (18–36 months) | 1:7 | 12 | 12–24 months (922 KAR 2:090) |
| Preschool (3–5 years) | 1:11 | 24 | 3yr group=24; 4yr ratio=1:15 group=28 (922 KAR 2:120) |
Source: 922 KAR 2:090 (Standards for Certified Child Care Centers), Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Always verify current ratios directly with KY CHFS.
Kentucky licensed childcare center: Credential & training requirements
Director / Operator requirements
Kentucky childcare center directors must meet minimum education and experience requirements established by Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services under 922 KAR 2:090 (Standards for Certified Child Care Centers). Most states require directors to hold a combination of early childhood education (ECE) college coursework, teaching or administrative experience, and a valid background clearance. Some states require a specific director credential or permit. Contact Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services for the current director qualification standard applicable to your program type.
Teacher / Caregiver requirements
Lead teachers and caregivers in Kentucky licensed childcare centers must meet minimum education requirements set by Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Requirements often include ECE college coursework or an equivalent credential (such as a Child Development Associate — CDA credential), plus ongoing continuing education. Aides or assistant teachers typically must be at least 18 years old and work under the direct supervision of a qualified lead teacher.
Annual training requirements
All center staff in Kentucky are typically required to complete annual continuing education hours approved by Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. CPR and pediatric first aid certification is required for most childcare center staff and must be kept current. Contact Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services for the current annual training hour requirement and approved training topics.
Kentucky licensed childcare center: Facility requirements
The following physical environment standards apply to licensed childcare centers in Kentucky under 922 KAR 2:090 (Standards for Certified Child Care Centers).
| Indoor space | Minimum square footage per child required; verify with KY CHFS for your age group and license type |
| Outdoor space | Fenced outdoor play area required; minimum square footage per child; age-appropriate equipment |
| Infant sleeping | Dedicated sleeping area; individual cribs or safe sleep surfaces for infants |
| Emergency exits | Clearly marked, unobstructed; fire evacuation plan posted; regular fire drills required |
| Background checks | Live Scan or equivalent fingerprint background check required for all staff with child contact |
| Health & safety | Health department and/or fire authority inspection required before license issuance |
How to get a childcare center license in Kentucky
The childcare center licensing process in Kentucky is administered by Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. The general steps are:
- Contact Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services — Division of Child Care (DCC) — Office of Inspector General to request a licensing application packet and pre-application guidance.
- Submit a completed application including facility information, disclosure forms, and background check authorization for all staff with child contact.
- Complete background checks (fingerprinting) for the owner/director and all staff.
- Obtain local fire clearance and any required health department inspection for the facility.
- Pass a pre-licensing site visit from a KY CHFS licensing analyst verifying compliance with 922 KAR 2:090 (Standards for Certified Child Care Centers) physical environment requirements.
- Receive your childcare center license from Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Each physical location requires a separate license.
Licensing contact: Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services — Division of Child Care (DCC) — Office of Inspector General.
Official resource: https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dcbs/dcc/Pages/default.aspx
Always be in ratio — brightwheel makes it automatic.
Brightwheel’s real-time attendance tracking alerts staff the moment any Kentucky classroom approaches ratio limits required under 922 KAR 2:090 (Standards for Certified Child Care Centers).
Frequently asked questions: Kentucky childcare center licensing
Sources & references
This page was compiled from official government sources. Always verify current requirements directly with Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services before making licensing or compliance decisions.
- Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services — childcare center licensing
- ACF Licensing Regulations Database — Kentucky
Also in this guide: Kentucky Small Family Child Care Home Requirements, Kentucky Large Family Child Care Home Requirements, Kentucky Preschool Requirements