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Louisiana Preschool Licensing Requirements

Licensing requirements, staff-to-child ratios, and teacher credential requirements for preschool programs in Louisiana. Louisiana also administers a state-funded preschool program — Nita M. Lowey 21st CCLC; LA CCAP — with additional requirements.

Louisiana Preschool — Compliance Quick Reference

Ages served	Typically 2.5–5 years (verify with LA DCFS)
Preschool ratio (licensed center)	1:10, max group —
Regulating agency (private preschool)	Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services — Child Care Licensing — Division of Management and Finance
Regulatory code	LAC 67:III.Chapter 73 (Licensing Standards for Class B Child Care Centers)
State-funded program	Nita M. Lowey 21st CCLC; LA CCAP

Louisiana preschool: Staff-to-child ratio requirements

Preschool programs in Louisiana must maintain specific staff-to-child ratios at all times as required by Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services under LAC 67:III.Chapter 73 (Licensing Standards for Class B Child Care Centers).

Louisiana state-funded preschool: Nita M. Lowey 21st CCLC; LA CCAP — a state-funded program that may have different ratio and credentialing requirements than privately licensed preschools. Contact the administering agency for provider qualification and funding details.

Program type	Staff:child ratio	Max group size	Notes
Private preschool (licensed center) (3–5 years)	1:10	—	3yr = 1:7 (transitional); 4yr = 1:10
State-funded preschool (Nita M. Lowey 21st CCLC; LA CCAP)	Contact administering agency	—	May differ from center license ratios

Source: LAC 67:III.Chapter 73 (Licensing Standards for Class B Child Care Centers), Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services. Always verify current ratios with LA DCFS.

Louisiana preschool: Credential & training requirements

Director / Operator requirements

Private preschools operating under a Louisiana childcare center license require a director meeting Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services’s qualification standards under LAC 67:III.Chapter 73 (Licensing Standards for Class B Child Care Centers). Requirements typically include ECE coursework, administrative experience, and background clearance. Some states require a specific director credential or permit for programs serving preschool-age children.

Teacher / Caregiver requirements

Preschool lead teachers in Louisiana must meet minimum education requirements set by Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services. Most states require at minimum a CDA credential or equivalent ECE college coursework for preschool teachers. Contact Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services for the current teacher qualification standard, as requirements may differ between privately licensed and state-funded programs.

Annual training requirements

All preschool staff at Louisiana-licensed programs must complete continuing education hours annually. CPR and pediatric first aid are required for all direct-care staff. State-funded programs may have additional professional development requirements tied to their funding contract.

How to get a preschool license in Louisiana

Private preschool programs in Louisiana follow the childcare center licensing process administered by Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services:

Determine which licensing pathway applies: Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services center license (private preschool) or Nita M. Lowey 21st CCLC; LA CCAP contract (state-funded preschool).
For a private preschool: apply for a childcare center license through Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services — Child Care Licensing — Division of Management and Finance. The process includes application, background checks, and pre-licensing inspection.
Ensure the director meets Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services’s qualification requirements before the license is issued.
Ensure lead preschool teachers meet the credential or coursework requirements under LAC 67:III.Chapter 73 (Licensing Standards for Class B Child Care Centers).
For a state-funded preschool: contact LA Dept of Children & Family Services (DCFS) or your local school district or county office of education to apply for a Nita M. Lowey 21st CCLC; LA CCAP contract.
Complete the pre-licensing inspection and any additional requirements.

Licensing contact: Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services — Child Care Licensing — Division of Management and Finance.
Official resource: https://dcfs.louisiana.gov/page/licensing

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Frequently asked questions: Louisiana preschool licensing

Does a private preschool in Louisiana need a childcare center license?

Yes — private preschool programs in Louisiana that serve children in a group setting are typically required to be licensed as a childcare center by Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services under LAC 67:III.Chapter 73 (Licensing Standards for Class B Child Care Centers). The staff-to-child ratio for preschool-age children (3–5 years) in a licensed center is 1:10 with a maximum group size of —. Contact Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services for the licensing threshold (how many children trigger the licensing requirement).

What teaching credential does a Louisiana preschool teacher need?

Louisiana preschool teacher credential requirements are set by Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services under LAC 67:III.Chapter 73 (Licensing Standards for Class B Child Care Centers). Most states require lead preschool teachers to hold at minimum a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent early childhood education college coursework. Contact Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services for the current credential standard applicable to your program type and funding source.

What is the staff-to-child ratio for a Louisiana preschool classroom?

For private preschool programs licensed by Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services in Louisiana, the required staff-to-child ratio for preschool-age children (3–5 years) is 1:10, with a maximum group size of —. For state-funded programs (Nita M. Lowey 21st CCLC; LA CCAP), different ratios may apply — contact the administering agency for details.

What is the Nita M. Lowey 21st CCLC; LA CCAP and who qualifies?

Yes — Louisiana administers Nita M. Lowey 21st CCLC; LA CCAP. This state-funded program typically serves income-eligible children ages 3–5 and uses different staff ratio and credentialing requirements than privately licensed preschools. Contact the administering agency for eligibility criteria, provider requirements, and funding availability.

How is kindergarten different from a licensed preschool in Louisiana?

Kindergarten in Louisiana is a school-district program regulated by the state department of education under K–12 education law — not by Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services. Private licensed preschools must be licensed by Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services under LAC 67:III.Chapter 73 (Licensing Standards for Class B Child Care Centers) and meet childcare center standards. Programs serving children ages 3–5 before kindergarten age must be licensed if they meet the threshold for group care. Contact Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services for the exact age and group size thresholds that require licensure.

Sources & references

This page was compiled from official government sources. Always verify current requirements directly with Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services before making licensing or compliance decisions.

Also in this guide: Louisiana Childcare Center Requirements, Louisiana Small Family Child Care Home Requirements, Louisiana Large Family Child Care Home Requirements

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or compliance advice. Childcare licensing requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services at https://dcfs.louisiana.gov/page/licensing before making compliance decisions. Last verified: April 2026.