Brightwheel › Licensing Requirements › Wyoming › Wyoming Preschool Licensing Requirements

Wyoming Preschool Licensing Requirements

Licensing requirements, staff-to-child ratios, and teacher credential requirements for preschool programs in Wyoming.

Wyoming Preschool — Compliance Quick Reference

Ages served	Typically 2.5–5 years (verify with WY DFS)
Preschool ratio (licensed center)	1:10, max group —
Regulating agency (private preschool)	Wyoming Department of Family Services — Child Care Licensing Unit
Regulatory code	Wyoming Admin. Rules DFS-REGS-2021-02 (Child Care Center Licensing Requirements); Wyo. Stat. §14-4-101 et seq.

Wyoming preschool: Staff-to-child ratio requirements

Preschool programs in Wyoming must maintain specific staff-to-child ratios at all times as required by Wyoming Department of Family Services under Wyoming Admin. Rules DFS-REGS-2021-02 (Child Care Center Licensing Requirements); Wyo. Stat. §14-4-101 et seq..

Program type	Staff:child ratio	Max group size	Notes
Private preschool (licensed center) (3–5 years)	1:10	—	Ages 3–5 years

Source: Wyoming Admin. Rules DFS-REGS-2021-02 (Child Care Center Licensing Requirements); Wyo. Stat. §14-4-101 et seq., Wyoming Department of Family Services. Always verify current ratios with WY DFS.

Wyoming preschool: Credential & training requirements

Director / Operator requirements

Private preschools operating under a Wyoming childcare center license require a director meeting Wyoming Department of Family Services’s qualification standards under Wyoming Admin. Rules DFS-REGS-2021-02 (Child Care Center Licensing Requirements); Wyo. Stat. §14-4-101 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 Wyoming must meet minimum education requirements set by Wyoming Department of Family Services. Most states require at minimum a CDA credential or equivalent ECE college coursework for preschool teachers. Contact Wyoming Department of 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 Wyoming-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 Wyoming

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

Determine which licensing pathway applies: Wyoming Department of Family Services center license (private preschool).
For a private preschool: apply for a childcare center license through Wyoming Department of Family Services — Child Care Licensing Unit. The process includes application, background checks, and pre-licensing inspection.
Ensure the director meets Wyoming Department of Family Services’s qualification requirements before the license is issued.
Ensure lead preschool teachers meet the credential or coursework requirements under Wyoming Admin. Rules DFS-REGS-2021-02 (Child Care Center Licensing Requirements); Wyo. Stat. §14-4-101 et seq..
Complete the pre-licensing inspection and any additional requirements.

Licensing contact: Wyoming Department of Family Services — Child Care Licensing Unit.
Official resource: https://wyomingworkforce.org/workers/childcare

Keep your Wyoming preschool running — not drowning in paperwork.

Brightwheel gives preschool directors a single platform to manage attendance, billing, parent communication, and daily documentation.

Digital check-in Parent sign-in/sign-out with timestamps — eliminates paper sign-in sheets and satisfies WY DFS documentation requirements.

Lesson planning Document daily activities and developmental observations aligned with state early learning standards.

Subsidy billing Manage subsidy invoicing alongside private-pay tuition — no dual systems needed.

See brightwheel for preschools →

Frequently asked questions: Wyoming preschool licensing

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

Yes — private preschool programs in Wyoming that serve children in a group setting are typically required to be licensed as a childcare center by Wyoming Department of Family Services under Wyoming Admin. Rules DFS-REGS-2021-02 (Child Care Center Licensing Requirements); Wyo. Stat. §14-4-101 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 Wyoming Department of Family Services for the licensing threshold (how many children trigger the licensing requirement).

What teaching credential does a Wyoming preschool teacher need?

Wyoming preschool teacher credential requirements are set by Wyoming Department of Family Services under Wyoming Admin. Rules DFS-REGS-2021-02 (Child Care Center Licensing Requirements); Wyo. Stat. §14-4-101 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 Wyoming Department of Family Services for the current credential standard applicable to your program type and funding source.

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

For private preschool programs licensed by Wyoming Department of Family Services in Wyoming, the required staff-to-child ratio for preschool-age children (3–5 years) is 1:10, with a maximum group size of —. Contact WY DFS to verify the current ratio requirement.

Are there state-funded preschool options in Wyoming?

Wyoming may have state-funded preschool options through Head Start, state pre-K programs, or other initiatives. Contact Wyoming Department of Family Services or your local school district for information on state-funded preschool programs in your area.

How is kindergarten different from a licensed preschool in Wyoming?

Kindergarten in Wyoming is a school-district program regulated by the state department of education under K–12 education law — not by Wyoming Department of Family Services. Private licensed preschools must be licensed by Wyoming Department of Family Services under Wyoming Admin. Rules DFS-REGS-2021-02 (Child Care Center Licensing Requirements); Wyo. Stat. §14-4-101 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 Wyoming Department of 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 Wyoming Department of Family Services before making licensing or compliance decisions.

Also in this guide: Wyoming Childcare Center Requirements, Wyoming Small Family Child Care Home Requirements, Wyoming 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 Wyoming Department of Family Services at https://wyomingworkforce.org/workers/childcare before making compliance decisions. Last verified: April 2026.