Starting a daycare in Louisiana requires obtaining the proper license and meeting state health and safety standards. Whether you're passionate about early childhood education or have years of experience caring for children, understanding Louisiana's licensing requirements is essential before opening your doors.
This guide covers how to start a daycare in Louisiana, including licensing types, application steps, fees, and compliance requirements to help you launch a successful childcare program.
Do I need a childcare license in Louisiana?
Yes, most childcare providers in Louisiana must be licensed or registered before operating. The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) defines a child daycare center as "any facility that provides care to seven or more children on a regular basis for at least 12.5 hours a week."
Before you start, create a comprehensive business plan and determine which license or registration type applies to your childcare program.
Operating without a valid license may result in fines up to $1,000 per day. License-exempt care includes public or private schools serving kindergarten and above, camps, and care provided without charge.
Type I license
This license is issued to a daycare center owned or operated by a church or religious organization qualified as tax-exempt under Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code and receives no state or federal funds directly or indirectly from any source.
Type II license
This license is issued to early learning centers that either receive no state or federal funds directly or indirectly from any source or whose only source of state or federal funds is from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s food and nutrition programs.
Type III license
This license is issued to an early learning center that directly or indirectly receives state or federal funds from any source other than the federal food and nutrition programs.
Home-based and family child care options
You can also offer home-based or family child care in Louisiana. While you may not require a license, you must register and apply for a certificate from the Louisiana Department of Education.
- Home-based provider: Cares for a child in the child's home
- Family child care (FCC) provider: Cares for up to six children in the provider's home
After registration is complete, you'll need to become certified with the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). CCAP provides financial assistance to low-income families, helping them access high-quality child care while working or attending school.
Childcare Licensing and Compliance Checklist
Download this free checklist to simplify the childcare licensing process.
Childcare licensing requirements in Louisiana
Below are the state licensing requirements in Louisiana:
Director qualifications
- Must be at least 21 years of age
- Must have documentation of at least one of the following:
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university with at least six credit hours of child development or early childhood education and one year of supervised childcare experience in a licensed center or comparable setting
- A Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, which includes practicum and one year experience in a licensed center
- An associate’s degree in child development or a closely related area and one year of supervised childcare experience in a licensed center or a comparable setting
- One year of experience as a director or staff in a licensed child care center plus 12 credit hours in child care, child development, or early childhood education. Fifteen “clock hours” may be substituted for each three credit hours
- A diploma from a vocational childcare training program approved by the Board of Regents or equivalent plus one year of supervised childcare experience in a licensed childcare center or comparable setting
- The National Administrator Credential as awarded by the National Child Care Association, and one year experience in a licensed childcare center or comparable setting
- A certificate of completion from the International Correspondence School and one year of experience in a licensed childcare center or comparable setting
- A certificate of completion from the Professional Career Development Institute and one year of experience in a licensed childcare center or comparable setting
Childcare center ratio requirements
Below are the staff-to-child ratio requirements regarding infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children:
For 10 children or fewer, including the provider’s and/or staff members’ children:- One teacher for 10 children (if no more than two children under age two) (1:10)
- Two teachers for 10 children (if three or more children under age two) (2:10)
For 11 or more children:
- One teacher for six non-walkers and toddlers below 12 months (1:6)
- One teacher for eight toddlers between 12 and 23 months (1:8)
- One teacher for 12 children from two years old to three years old (1:12)
- One teacher for 14 children between three and four years old (1:14)
- One teacher for 16 children between four and five years old (1:16)
- One teacher for 20 children between five and six years old (1:20)
- One teacher for 25 school-age children six years and older (1:25)
Fees requirement
You're required to pay all fees to the Louisiana Department of Education via its online electronic payment system. Do not send cash, business checks, or personal checks. All fees are non-refundable.
Administrative fees
You'll pay an administrative fee of $25 for initial licensure. This fee will be applied to the total licensure fee, due before issuing an initial license. You'll also pay an administrative fee of $25 for any change requiring the issuance of a new license or the reissuance of a current license—for example, changes in the facility's name, capacity, age ranges, and transportation.
Annual licensure fees
You’re required to pay the full licensure fee based on licensed capacity. The annual license fees are below:
- 15 or fewer children: $25
- 16 to 50 children: $100
- 51 to 100 children: $175
- 101 or more children: $250
Childcare facilities owned or operated by a religious organization or church are exempt from annual license fees.
Approval requirements
Before issuing a license, the bureau will require these daycare center approvals:
- Office of State Fire Marshal approval
- Office of Public Health approval
- City fire approval, if applicable
- Zoning approval/certificate of occupancy, if applicable
- Academic approval by the department, if applicable
- Licensure inspection verifying compliance with all minimum standards
- Child Care Criminal Background Check (CCCBC)-based determination of eligibility for child care purposes from the department for all owners, operators, and staff
- Written documentation establishing ownership of the center
Child Care Criminal Background Check (CCCBC)
All owners, operators, and staff must complete a Child Care Criminal Background Check through the Louisiana Child Care Civil Background Check System. This process includes a fingerprint-based criminal history check.
Key CCCBC details:
- Fingerprinting transitioned to IDEMIA on May 8, 2023
- IDEMIA offers "No Charge Authorization Codes" (NCACs or coupon codes) backed by major credit cards
- Background checks are valid for five years and can be transferred between licensed childcare programs
- View the list of prohibited offenses that prevent individuals from serving as childcare providers
For detailed instructions, visit the CCCBC page or review the Criminal Background Check Instructions for Child Care Providers.
Childcare license application in Louisiana
Follow these steps to complete your license application:
Step 1: Check zoning and building ordinances
Before purchasing or leasing a building for your daycare center, check the local zoning and building ordinances where you plan to set up the business. Ensure you obtain the required authorization from the Office of Public Health, Office of the State Fire Marshal, Sanitation Services, and Code Enforcement and Building Safety.
Step 2: Complete and submit the application form
The next step is to complete the license application form. The completed application should indicate “type I license” unless you’re applying for state or federal funding. The application form includes the following:
- Important notes about the initial application fee, change of daycare ownership licensure, license renewals, and mode of payment for all fees
- Type of license: Initial application or renewal, change in ownership, change of director, or change of location
- Center information: Center name, location address, mailing address, phone numbers, and email address
- Organizational structure and owner’s details
- Appointed director’s details
- Director designee details
- Three personal references for the director and director designee
- Funding source
- Services: All day, half-day, night time care (after 9 pm), and transportation
- Center operations: Licensed capacity, number of buildings used by children, age range, months open during the year, days available during the week, and hours open
- Declaration statements
- Disclosure form for background information
After completing the application, return the form to the Bureau of Licensing at ldelicensing@la.gov or call 225–342–9905..
Step 3: Await inspection and approval
After receiving your application, the Bureau of Licensing will request required local agencies, including the Office of Public Health, Office of the State Fire Marshal, and Office of the City Fire Department (if applicable), to inspect the daycare location. Remember, it’s your duty to ensure you obtain these inspections and approvals.
Next, a licensing specialist will visit your facility to conduct a licensing survey. After receiving all relevant approvals, the bureau will issue a license on an initial application.
Application processing timeframes:
- Application for licensure or change of location: up to 90 days
- Application for change of ownership: up to 30 days
- Change report for capacity increase: up to 30 days
- Change report for age range: up to 30 days
- Change report for adding transportation: up to 30 days
- Change report for adding a director/designee: up to 30 days
After receiving your license and choosing a name for your business, you can start marketing your daycare in the community.
How to stay compliant with a daycare license in Louisiana
Securing your license will get your business off the ground, but staying compliant will keep your daycare operating smoothly without interference from the authorities. Below are ways to remain compliant.
Renew your license on time
The department determines how long your license is valid. Ensure you renew your license before the last day of the month your current license expires; otherwise, it won't be renewed, and your childcare program will cease operations. You'll need current approvals by the Office of State Fire Marshal, Office of Public Health, and annual licensing inspections by the department for a renewed license.
Use the Renewal Licensing Checklist to prepare for renewal.
Do not transfer a license
Complete a new application form before changes in location or ownership. Your license only applies to the area for which it was issued. It’s not transferable from one owner or location to another. Your license will be automatically revoked if location or ownership changes.
Communicate relevant changes
You must notify the Bureau of Licensing in case of any changes that may affect your license. For example, a change in the space occupied by children and the age range or the number of children you serve.
In specific cases, the Secretary of the Department of Social Services may waive compliance for certain changes after determining that the economic impact is significant enough to make compliance impossible. Also, compliance may be waived if it doesn’t put the health and well-being of the staff and children at risk and if the facility meets or exceeds the intended expectations and standards.
Conduct required inspections and drills
- Fire drills: Execute an approved fire evacuation plan at least once per month
- Fire prevention inspections: Conduct monthly inspections by a trained senior member of the staff. Post a copy of the latest inspection in a conspicuous place in your childcare program
- Annual licensing inspections: Inspections shall be conducted at regular intervals not exceeding one year, without notice to the early learning center
Maintain required documentation
Keep current records of:
- Staff training and certifications (including CPR and First Aid from approved providers)
- Child enrollment and attendance
- Fire drill logs
- Background check determinations
- Health and safety inspections
Getting your childcare license is just the beginning. Launching your program takes planning, tools, and reliable support. That’s why brightwheel offers a dedicated New Program Experience designed to guide you every step of the way. With our all-in-one platform, you can simplify enrollment, set up billing plans, and stay on track for a smooth, successful opening.
I would say that if you are a new program that you should definitely jump on brightwheel and just experience it. It’s tools that help make your life easier as the owner and director. There’s no reason not to, with the cost and the effectiveness, it’s 100% a yes for me.” Crystal D., Owner & Director at Lil’ Ranch Hands Family Childcare Home in Minco, OK
As I build my new program, the billing features are a game changer. I can easily invoice parents, and everything is automatically tracked—especially helpful come tax season.” Emily K., Owner of Emily Finzen Childcare in Lake Benton, MN
Experience Curriculum allows you to lean into creativity while following the curriculum. It’s all right there, it’s all prepared for you, and then you can lean into it.” Leinani G., Owner of Creative Minds Learning Academy in Bothell, WA
Brightwheel helps us in every way possible. From their onboarding and support team to the features that keep us organized, on track with planning, and communicating smoothly as a team to parents and each other. I couldn't imagine a better management system for our program." Harida H., Administrator at Play Pals Daycare in Maumee, OH
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a license to start a daycare in Louisiana?
Yes, if you provide care to seven or more children for at least 12.5 hours per week, you must obtain a license from the Louisiana Department of Education. Home-based and family child care providers caring for fewer children must register and obtain a certificate.
How much does a Louisiana daycare license cost?
Annual licensing fees range from $25 (for 15 or fewer children) to $250 (for 101 or more children). An initial administrative fee of $25 also applies. Childcare programs owned or operated by religious organizations are exempt from annual fees.
How long does it take to get a daycare license in Louisiana?
The application process for initial licensure or change of location can take up to 90 days, provided all required documentation is submitted. Changes of ownership take up to 30 days.
What are the staff-to-child ratios in Louisiana?
Ratios vary by age group. For example, you need one teacher for every six infants under 12 months, one teacher for every 12 children ages two to three, and one teacher for every 25 school-age children six years and older.
Can I run a daycare from my home in Louisiana?
Yes. You can operate as a family child care provider (caring for up to six children in your home) or a home-based provider (caring for children in their homes). You must register with the Louisiana Department of Education and obtain certification through the Child Care Assistance Program.
What background checks are required for Louisiana daycare staff?
All owners, operators, and staff must complete a Child Care Criminal Background Check (CCCBC) through the Louisiana Child Care Civil Background Check System. This includes fingerprint-based criminal history checks processed through IDEMIA. Background checks are valid for five years.
Funding resources for your childcare business
As you go through the licensing process, you may come across grants or other funding resources that can help fund your childcare business. A grant is an often overlooked financial resource given by a government agency or private foundation that does not need to be repaid. This makes them an attractive funding option if you are looking to expand or enhance the quality and accessibility of your program.
Grants provide funding that can be used towards a variety of purposes, such as improving facilities, purchasing new equipment or materials, or offering professional development opportunities for staff. The available resources vary by state so it is crucial to research and understand the grants for childcare providers in Louisiana to make informed decisions about which ones to apply for.
Start a daycare in Louisiana
Starting and operating a daycare in Louisiana requires obtaining the right license for your program and staying compliant with all licensing regulations. With proper planning, preparation, and due diligence, navigating the requirements can be a smooth process.
As you advance to the stage of considering childcare management software for your new venture, remember that brightwheel is available to help. Designed specifically for new childcare programs, our software provides user-friendly features that simplify operations, improve communication, and support your program's growth from the beginning. Whether you've just secured your license in Louisiana or are getting ready to welcome your first group of children, you can start organizing your operations with brightwheel before opening. Explore how brightwheel can aid your new program.
