To start a childcare program in Pennsylvania, you must obtain a Certificate of Compliance from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS). You will need to secure a certificate of occupancy, attend an orientation, and pass a facility inspection.
Do I need a childcare license in Pennsylvania?
Yes, you need a childcare license to operate in Pennsylvania if you care for three or more children unrelated to you. If you care only for your own children or a relative's children, you are legally exempt.
Licensing is managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS). Contact your Regional Child Development Office if you are interested in operating a childcare facility for more information. There are three main types of licenses:
1. Child Care Center
A facility where care is provided for seven or more children unrelated to the operator. This usually applies to commercial locations.
2. Group Child Care Home
A facility (often a residence or modified space) where care is provided for seven to 12 children unrelated to the operator.
3. Family Child Care Home
A home-based facility where care is provided for four to six children unrelated to the operator.
Childcare Licensing and Compliance Checklist
Download this free checklist to simplify the childcare licensing process.
Childcare licensing requirements in Pennsylvania
In addition to getting the appropriate daycare license for the childcare business you intend to run, you'll need a solid business plan. This will help you set the framework for your business by outlining your mission statement, policies and procedures, budgets, and marketing strategies.
Pennsylvania has specific staffing and facility requirements that vary by license type.
Child Care Center requirements
Facility persons
A staff person must:
- Be age 18 or older (a person age 16 or older may be a staff person if they are enrolled in an accredited curriculum and other guidelines outlined by the state are met)
- Have at least six hours of childcare training
- Have a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or a Certified Childcare Professional (CCP) credential, nine credit hours in early childhood education, and one year of experience
A volunteer must:
- Be age 16 years or older
- Be supervised directly by a staff person
A director must:
- Have a bachelor's degree in early childhood education, child development, special education, elementary education, or the human services field and have one year of experience handling children
A group supervisor must:
- Have a bachelor's degree in early childhood education, child development, special education, elementary education, or the human services field and one year of experience handling children
An aide must:
- Have a high school diploma or a general educational development certificate
Staff-to-child ratios
The following ratios apply when children are grouped by similar age levels:
|
Age Levels |
Staff |
Children |
Maximum Group Size |
Total Number of Staff Required for the Group Size |
|
Infant |
1 |
4 |
8 |
2 |
|
Young toddlers |
1 |
5 |
10 |
2 |
|
Older toddler |
1 |
6 |
12 |
2 |
|
Preschool |
1 |
10 |
20 |
2 |
|
Young school-age |
1 |
12 |
24 |
2 |
|
Older school-age |
1 |
15 |
30 |
2 |
If children are grouped in mixed age levels, the ratio of staff to children is determined by the youngest child in the group.
Physical site requirements
- An indoor and outdoor space for physical activity like running, climbing, and jumping
- Children’s capacity must not exceed the facility’s maximum capacity
- Outdoor and indoor activity spaces must not be used for other purposes unrelated to child care
- Walkways should be safe and free from snow, ice, and other hazards
- Smoking is prohibited within the facility
- There should be an adequate supply of safe drinking water
- A first aid kit with all supplies like soap, bandages, tape, scissors, tweezers, etc
- Fire safety and fire management equipment
- A documented plan of daily activities
Equipment
- Provide age-appropriate play materials, e.g., toys
- Playing materials should be clean and safe
Nutrition
-
- Food served to children should be safe and wholesome
- Food handling practices must comply with Department of Health standards
Group Child Care Home requirements
Facility persons
A staff person must:
- Be age 18 or older (a person age 16 or older may be a staff person if they are enrolled in an accredited curriculum, and other guidelines outlined by the state are met)
- Have at least six hours of child care training
- Have a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or a Certified Childcare Professional (CCP) credential, nine credit hours in early childhood education, and one year of experience
A volunteer must:
- Be age 16 or older
- Be supervised directly by a staff person
A primary staff person must have:
- A high school diploma or a general educational development certificate and 30 credit hours in early childhood education, child development, special education, elementary education, the human services field; or
- A high school diploma or a general educational development certificate, including 600 or more hours of secondary training; or
- A high school diploma or a general educational development certificate, 15 credit hours in early childhood education, child development, special education, elementary education, or the human services field, and one year of experience handling children; or
- A high school diploma or a general educational development certificate and completion of a postsecondary training curriculum; or
- A high school diploma or a general educational development certificate and two years of experience handling children.
A secondary staff person must have:
- A high school diploma or a general educational development certificate; or
- A minimum of an eighth-grade education and enrollment in a program in child development
- Completed the eighth grade and have two years of experience working with children
Staff-to-child ratio
These ratios should apply when children are grouped by similar age levels:
|
Age Levels |
Staff |
Children |
Maximum Group Size |
Total Number of Staff Required for the Maximum Group Size |
|
Infant |
1 |
4 |
12 |
3 |
|
Young toddlers |
1 |
5 |
12 |
3 |
|
Older toddler |
1 |
6 |
12 |
2 |
|
Preschool |
1 |
10 |
12 |
2 |
|
Young school-age |
1 |
12 |
12 |
1 |
|
Older school-age |
1 |
15 |
15 |
1 |
The age of the youngest child in a group determines the staff-to-child ratio when children are grouped in mixed age levels.
Physical site requirements
- An indoor and outdoor space for active play like running, climbing, and jumping
- Children’s capacity must not exceed the facility’s maximum capacity
- Outdoor, and indoor activity spaces must not be used for other purposes unrelated to child care
- Walkways should be safe and free from snow, ice, and other hazards
- Smoking is prohibited within the facility
- There should be an adequate supply of safe drinking water
- A first aid kit with all supplies like soap, bandages, tape, scissors, tweezers, etc.
- Fire safety and fire management equipment
- A documented plan of daily activities
Equipment
- Provide age-appropriate play materials, e.g., toys
- Playing materials should be clean and safe
Nutrition
- Food served to children should be safe and wholesome
- Food handling practices must comply with Department of Health standards
Family Child Care Home requirements
Facility persons
The operator must:
- Be age 18 or older
- Have a high school diploma or a general educational development certificate
A staff person must:
- Be age 18 or older
- Have a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or a Certified Childcare Professional (CCP) credential, nine credit hours in early childhood education, and one year of experience
A volunteer must:
- Be age 16 or older
- Be directly supervised by a staff person
Staff-to-child ratio
- The number of children in your care must not exceed six at any time
Physical site requirements
- Fencing or barriers if unsafe places are near the outdoor play area
- Walkways should be safe and free from snow, ice, and other hazards
- Smoking is prohibited within the facility
- There should be an adequate supply of safe drinking water
- A first aid kit with all supplies like soap, bandages, tape, scissors, tweezers, etc.
- Fire safety and fire management equipment
- A documented plan of daily activities
Equipment
- Provide age-appropriate play materials, e.g., toys
- Playing materials should be clean and safe
Nutrition
- Food served to children should be safe and wholesome
- Food handling practices must comply with Department of Health standards
Childcare license application in Pennsylvania
Starting a childcare program in Pennsylvania involves coordination with local municipalities and the state.
Step 1: Obtain a Certificate of Occupancy
Before applying for a license, you must get a Certificate of Occupancy from your local municipality. This proves your location is zoned correctly and safe for childcare.
Step 2: Attend an orientation
You must register for and attend both an online and an in-person orientation. These sessions provided by OCDEL cover the regulations you need to know.
Step 3: Submit application
Send your application to your Regional Office of Child Development and Early Learning. Your package must include:
- Criminal record checks (PA State Police, Child Abuse Registry, FBI fingerprinting)
- Proof of orientation completion
- Business documentation (e.g., tax-exempt status if applicable)
- Facility floor plans
Step 4: Pass inspection
Once your application is reviewed (usually within 45 days), a regional office representative will inspect your facility to ensure it meets DHS compliance standards.
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
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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
How to stay compliant with a daycare license in Pennsylvania
A daycare license in Pennsylvania is valid for 12 months. This means you must renew your license annually to remain compliant. A compulsory facility inspection is part of the license renewal process, which you must pass. This is DHS's way of determining your compliance with the state childcare laws.
DHS will send a renewal notice 130 days before the license expires. You’re required to submit the license renewal information along with a Civil Rights Compliance Attestation form (CRC). You should email the license renewal information and CRC to the DHS office that issued your license.
Funding resources for your childcare business
During the licensing process, you may find grants or funding resources to support your childcare business. Grants, provided by government agencies or private foundations, are a great option since they don’t need to be repaid.
They can help with expanding or improving your program’s quality and accessibility by funding facility upgrades, new equipment, or staff professional development. Available resources vary by state, so be sure to research childcare grants in Pennsylvania to apply for the right ones.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a childcare license valid in Pennsylvania?
A regular Certificate of Compliance (license) is valid for 12 months. You must renew it annually, which includes passing a new facility inspection.
Do I need a college degree to open a home daycare in PA?
For a Family Child Care Home (4–6 children), you generally only need a high school diploma or GED. However, larger Group Child Care Homes and Child Care Centers have stricter educational requirements for directors and supervisors.
Where do I submit my application?
You submit your application to your specific Regional Office of Child Development and Early Learning. The specific office depends on the county where your business is located.
Final thoughts
Starting a daycare in Pennsylvania requires compliance with state childcare regulations and the right license based on your business type. Once licensed, focus on growing your business with tools like brightwheel. Designed for new programs, brightwheel simplifies operations, improves communication, and helps you get organized even before opening. Learn how brightwheel can support your daycare from day one.
