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Vermont Preschool Licensing Requirements

Licensing requirements, staff-to-child ratios, and teacher credential requirements for preschool programs in Vermont. Vermont also administers a state-funded preschool program — Vermont’s Act 166 (mixed delivery pre-K) — with additional requirements.

Vermont Preschool — Compliance Quick Reference

Ages served	Typically 2.5–5 years (verify with VT DCF)
Preschool ratio (licensed center)	1:10, max group —
Regulating agency (private preschool)	Vermont Department for Children and Families — Child Development Division (CDD) — Licensing
Regulatory code	Vt. Admin. Code 13-162-009 (Child Care Center Licensing Regulations); 33 VSA §3501 et seq.
State-funded program	Vermont’s Act 166 (mixed delivery pre-K)

Vermont preschool: Staff-to-child ratio requirements

Preschool programs in Vermont must maintain specific staff-to-child ratios at all times as required by Vermont Department for Children and Families under Vt. Admin. Code 13-162-009 (Child Care Center Licensing Regulations); 33 VSA §3501 et seq..

Vermont state-funded preschool: Vermont’s Act 166 (mixed delivery pre-K) — 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	—	3–5yr = 1:10
State-funded preschool (Vermont’s Act 166)	Contact administering agency	—	May differ from center license ratios

Source: Vt. Admin. Code 13-162-009 (Child Care Center Licensing Regulations); 33 VSA §3501 et seq., Vermont Department for Children and Families. Always verify current ratios with VT DCF.

Vermont preschool: Credential & training requirements

Director / Operator requirements

Private preschools operating under a Vermont childcare center license require a director meeting Vermont Department for Children and Families’s qualification standards under Vt. Admin. Code 13-162-009 (Child Care Center Licensing Regulations); 33 VSA §3501 et seq.. 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 Vermont must meet minimum education requirements set by Vermont Department for Children and Families. Most states require at minimum a CDA credential or equivalent ECE college coursework for preschool teachers. Contact Vermont Department for Children and Families for the current teacher qualification standard, as requirements may differ between privately licensed and state-funded programs.

Annual training requirements

All preschool staff at Vermont-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 Vermont

Private preschool programs in Vermont follow the childcare center licensing process administered by Vermont Department for Children and Families:

Determine which licensing pathway applies: Vermont Department for Children and Families center license (private preschool) or Vermont’s Act 166 (mixed delivery pre-K) contract (state-funded preschool).
For a private preschool: apply for a childcare center license through Vermont Department for Children and Families — Child Development Division (CDD) — Licensing. The process includes application, background checks, and pre-licensing inspection.
Ensure the director meets Vermont Department for Children and Families’s qualification requirements before the license is issued.
Ensure lead preschool teachers meet the credential or coursework requirements under Vt. Admin. Code 13-162-009 (Child Care Center Licensing Regulations); 33 VSA §3501 et seq..
For a state-funded preschool: contact VT Dept for Children & Families — Child Development Division (CDD) or your local school district or county office of education to apply for a Vermont’s Act 166 (mixed delivery pre-K) contract.
Complete the pre-licensing inspection and any additional requirements.

Licensing contact: Vermont Department for Children and Families — Child Development Division (CDD) — Licensing.
Official resource: https://dcf.vermont.gov/cdd/providers/care/licensing

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Frequently asked questions: Vermont preschool licensing

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

Yes — private preschool programs in Vermont that serve children in a group setting are typically required to be licensed as a childcare center by Vermont Department for Children and Families under Vt. Admin. Code 13-162-009 (Child Care Center Licensing Regulations); 33 VSA §3501 et seq.. 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 Vermont Department for Children and Families for the licensing threshold (how many children trigger the licensing requirement).

What teaching credential does a Vermont preschool teacher need?

Vermont preschool teacher credential requirements are set by Vermont Department for Children and Families under Vt. Admin. Code 13-162-009 (Child Care Center Licensing Regulations); 33 VSA §3501 et seq.. Most states require lead preschool teachers to hold at minimum a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent early childhood education college coursework. Contact Vermont Department for Children and Families for the current credential standard applicable to your program type and funding source.

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

For private preschool programs licensed by Vermont Department for Children and Families in Vermont, 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 (Vermont’s Act 166 (mixed delivery pre-K)), different ratios may apply — contact the administering agency for details.

What is the Vermont’s Act 166 and who qualifies?

Yes — Vermont administers Vermont’s Act 166 (mixed delivery pre-K). 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 Vermont?

Kindergarten in Vermont is a school-district program regulated by the state department of education under K–12 education law — not by Vermont Department for Children and Families. Private licensed preschools must be licensed by Vermont Department for Children and Families under Vt. Admin. Code 13-162-009 (Child Care Center Licensing Regulations); 33 VSA §3501 et seq. 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 Vermont Department for Children and Families 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 Vermont Department for Children and Families before making licensing or compliance decisions.

Also in this guide: Vermont Childcare Center Requirements, Vermont Small Family Child Care Home Requirements, Vermont 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 Vermont Department for Children and Families at https://dcf.vermont.gov/cdd/providers/care/licensing before making compliance decisions. Last verified: April 2026.