To start a daycare in Ohio, you must apply for a license through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) using the Ohio Child Licensing and Quality System (OCLQS). License types include Type A Homes (7–12 children), Type B Homes (1–6 children), and Child Care Centers (7 or more children).
Do I need a childcare license in Ohio?
In Ohio, caring for children who are not your own generally requires a license if you are paid for the service. There are specific exemptions, such as programs operating two weeks or less per year, but most regular childcare arrangements must be licensed.
License types in Ohio
- Child Care Center: Care for seven or more children at one time in a commercial facility.
- Type A Family Child Care: Care for 7 to 12 children in a personal residence.
- Type B Family Child Care: Care for 1 to 6 children in a personal residence.
- Child Day Camp: Programs for school-age children operating less than seven hours a day during school breaks.
Childcare Licensing and Compliance Checklist
Download this free checklist to simplify the childcare licensing process.
Childcare licensing requirements in Ohio
Requirements vary by provider type but generally focus on safety, education, and staffing.
Provider requirements
- Education: Child care center administrators usually need at least two years of college with child development coursework or a CDA credential. Family providers need a high school diploma or GED.
- Training: All providers must complete pre-licensing training found on the Ohio Professional Registry (OPR).
- Background checks: You must complete a background check via Webcheck and submit the request through the OPR.
- Safety: Certification in First Aid and CPR, plus training in communicable disease management and child abuse recognition.
Staff-to-child ratios
Maintaining correct staff-to-child ratios is critical for compliance.
Child Care Centers
The general staff-to-child ratio requirement for childcare centers is that at least one other staff member must be present if seven or more children are in the building. The required ratio for different age groups and the maximum group number for each is the following:
Birth to 12 months:
- One staff member for five children (1:5) or 2:12 in the same room
- Maximum group size: 12
12 months to 18 months:
- One staff member for six children (1:6)
- Maximum group size: 12
18 months to 2.5 years:
- One staff member for seven children (1:7)
- Maximum group size: 14
2.5 years to 3 years:
- One staff member for eight children (1:8)
- Maximum group size: 16
3 years to 4 years:
- One staff member for 12 children (1:12)
- Maximum group size: 24
At least 4 years but not enrolled in or eligible for kindergarten:
- One staff member for 14 children (1:14)
- Maximum group size: 18
Enrolled in or eligible to be enrolled in kindergarten to 11 years:
- One staff member for 18 children (1:18)
- Maximum group size: 36
11 years to 15 years:
- One staff member for 20 children (1:20)
- Maximum group size: 40
Family Child Care
The staff-to-child ratio requirement for family childcare homes is that each staff member may care for no more than six children at any one time, and no more than three children may be under two years old. This ratio includes all children under six years old, even those related to the provider, the provider’s own children, and residents of the home, and children between six and fourteen years old who aren’t related to the provider.
Child Day Camps
The required staff-to-child ratio for child day camps is one staff member for 18 children (1:18) for children five to eleven years old. For children eleven to eighteen years of age, the ratio is one staff member for 20 children (1:20).
Childcare license application in Ohio
Ohio uses an integrated digital system for all licensing steps.
1. Complete pre-licensing training
Register with the Ohio Child Care Resource and Referral Association (OCCRRA) and complete the required pre-licensing training modules on the OPR.
2. Submit background checks
Visit a Webcheck location to have fingerprints taken. Submit the background check request in the OPR for yourself and any staff or adults living in the home.
3. Apply via OCLQS
Log in to the Ohio Child Licensing and Quality System (OCLQS) to start your application. You will need to upload:
- Proof of education
- Plan of operation
- Medical statements
- Fire and building inspection reports (for centers and Type A homes)
4. Pay application fees
Fees are submitted with your application:
- Child Care Center: $500
- Type A or Type B Home: $250
- Child Day Camp: $25 per camp (up to $250)
5. Pass the inspection
An ODJFS licensing specialist will inspect your facility to verify compliance. They will check your space, documentation (like disaster plans and attendance forms), and safety equipment.
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.
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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
How to stay compliant with a daycare license in Ohio
After you receive a childcare license, choose a name for your childcare program, and begin operating, you’re continuously expected to remain in compliance with the standards required at initial approval. Childcare centers and in-home aides are subject to at least one inspection each state fiscal year after being issued a license. Family childcare providers are subject to at least one inspection in each half of the fiscal year after being issued a continuous license. Day camps will also be subject to at least one inspection per camp season.
Funding resources for your childcare business
As you navigate the licensing process, don't overlook childcare grants. Unlike loans, these funds from government agencies or private foundations do not need to be repaid, making them an excellent way to fund facility improvements, equipment, or staff development. Because availability varies by state, it’s important to research specific grants for childcare providers in Ohio to find the best opportunities to enhance your program's quality and accessibility.
Frequently asked questions
What is the OCLQS?
The Ohio Child Licensing and Quality System (OCLQS) is the online portal where providers submit applications, update program details, and manage licensing compliance.
Can I open a daycare in Ohio without a high school diploma?
Generally, no. A high school diploma or GED is a minimum requirement for most licensed childcare providers in Ohio.
How many children can I watch in my home in Ohio?
A Type B license allows up to six children. A Type A license allows up to 12 children but has stricter requirements, including fire inspections and potential zoning approval.
Start a daycare in Ohio
Securing a childcare license is a critical first step in launching a program in Ohio. With careful research and planning, you can confidently move through the licensing process and advance to the next stage of your business.
As you progress to the point of evaluating childcare management software for your new program, remember that brightwheel is available to assist. Tailored for new childcare programs, our software offers intuitive features that streamline operations, improve communication, and support your program's growth from the outset. Whether you've just secured your license in Ohio or are gearing up to welcome your first group of children, you can start organizing your operations on brightwheel before opening. Explore how brightwheel can elevate your new program.
