Quick answer: How do I start a daycare in Wyoming?
To start a daycare in Wyoming, you need a license from the Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS) if you care for more than two children who aren't related to you. Complete pre-service training and background checks, meet fire, health, and space standards, submit the application with the $25 fee, and pass your licensing inspection before you open.
In this guide
Wyoming daycare licensing at a glance
| Requirement | Family child care home (FCCH) | Family child care center (FCCC) | Child care center (CCC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed capacity | Up to 10 children | Up to 15 children | 16 or more children |
| Location | Owner's primary residence | Residence or commercial building | Non-residence |
| Owner or director | Owner is 18 or older with a high school diploma or equivalent | Director is 21 or older with a high school diploma or equivalent and one year of equivalent education and experience | |
| Onsite oversight | Owner onsite at least 75% of operating hours | Director onsite at least 50% of operating hours | |
| Application and renewal fee | $25 each | ||
| License term | One year | ||
| Annual licensing inspections | At least one unannounced and one announced, plus fire, food safety, and health inspections | ||
| Who licenses you | Wyoming Department of Family Services, Child Care Licensing | ||
Sources: DFS licensing rules (Chapters 2 and 11) and the DFS child care page.
Do I need a childcare license in Wyoming?
You need a license if you care for more than two children who aren't related to you, unless you qualify for an exemption. The Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS) licenses child care facilities under Wyoming law, and the licenser for your county can tell you whether you are exempt. Source: DFS Who Needs to be Licensed? and DFS licensing rules, Chapter 2.
Running a child care facility without a license is a crime if you aren't exempt. Under Wyoming law, it is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $50 to $200 per offense, and each day of operation counts as a separate offense. Source: W.S. 14-4-111.
What types of daycare licenses does Wyoming have?
Wyoming has three license types, defined by capacity and location. Source: DFS licensing rules, Chapter 11, Section 2.
- Family child care home (FCCH). Located in your primary residence, licensed for up to 10 children.
- Family child care center (FCCC). Located in a residence or a commercial building, licensed for up to 15 children.
- Child care center (CCC). Located in a non-residence, licensed for 16 or more children.
Your licensed capacity depends on your indoor and outdoor square footage, and in a center, each room's capacity must be displayed in the room. Children of a home owner who are under age five count toward your capacity. Source: DFS licensing rules, Chapter 11.
What programs are exempt from daycare licensing in Wyoming?
DFS lists 13 exemptions. Source: DFS Who Needs to be Licensed?. The main ones include:
- Care by a legal parent or legal relative.
- Occasional care of a neighbor's or friend's child.
- Parents exchanging care on a cooperative basis.
- Facilities caring for no more than two unrelated children.
- Facilities caring for the children of only one immediate family unit.
- Facilities supervised by the state, local government, or a school district.
- Summer camps operated by nonprofit organizations.
- Qualifying after-school programs and qualifying part-time programs, which have conditions.
See DFS for the full list and conditions. If you are exempt, you can still ask DFS for a voluntary license. Source: DFS licensing rules, Chapter 2.
Not sure where to begin? Use our checklist for starting a daycare business.
Childcare Licensing and Compliance Checklist
Download this free checklist to simplify the childcare licensing process.
What are the childcare licensing requirements in Wyoming?
Owner, director, and staff qualifications
- Family child care home owner. At least 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent certificate, onsite at least 75% of operating hours. When you are away, a qualified adult staff member with decision-making authority and access to child and staff records must be in charge. Other staff must be at least 16.
- Director (family child care center or child care center). At least 21 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent certificate and any combination of education and experience equal to one year in early childhood management, early childhood education, child development, or a related field. The director must be onsite at least 50% of operating hours. If the director will be away for more than two weeks, or can't meet this on an ongoing basis, an approved variance must be on file.
- Assistant director. At least 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent certificate and six months of experience in licensed or legally exempt child care. The assistant director must be able to run the facility when the director is away. If your director leaves, the assistant director is responsible until you hire a new director, which must happen within 90 days.
Source: DFS licensing rules, Chapter 11, Section 3.
Background checks
These checks must be on file before anyone works in the facility or provides direct care. They apply to owners, directors, adult staff, substitutes, and volunteers, and to household members age 18 or older who live in or are moving into a home-based facility. Source: DFS licensing rules, Chapter 11, Section 3.
- A Central Registry or child abuse and neglect check in Wyoming and every state the person has lived in during the past five years. Wyoming's Central Registry screening costs $10 per screen plus an online processing fee.
- A National Sex Offender Registry check (NSOPW) and a state sex offender registry check, including the Wyoming Sex Offender Registry, for each state lived in during the past five years.
- A full FBI fingerprint-based national criminal history check (see the FBI's fingerprint-based background check steps) and a state criminal history check for Wyoming and each state lived in during the past five years.
The Central Registry and state sex offender registry checks are repeated every year. The fingerprint-based and state criminal checks are repeated every five years, and DFS can require new checks at any time. You don't need to repeat an out-of-state check unless the person has lived in that state since the last check. Source: DFS licensing rules, Chapter 11, Section 3 and DFS background check FAQs.
A person can't work or be present in your facility if their background checks show certain convictions or pending deferred prosecutions, including child abuse or neglect, sexual offenses, violence, domestic violence, battery, animal cruelty, arson, and recent drug or alcohol offenses. The full list is in Chapter 11, Section 3(g). A disqualified person can ask DFS to review the accuracy of their record within 10 days of the notice. Source: DFS licensing rules, Chapter 11, Section 3.
Training
- Pre-service training. Owners and directors must finish approved pre-service training before the license is issued. Other staff must finish it within three months of their start date and before providing unsupervised care. It covers emergency preparedness, building and premises safety, sanitation and hazardous materials, pediatric and adult first aid and CPR (with an in-person skills demonstration), medication administration, safe sleep and SIDS prevention, infectious disease control, mandatory reporting, shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma prevention, allergic reactions, transportation safety (if you transport children), and the Wyoming Early Learning Standards.
- Annual training. Anyone who provides direct care for more than 24 hours in a month, or is counted in your ratio, needs at least 12 training credits each year in early learning, early childhood, or child development. Directors must meet all training requirements no matter how much time they spend with children.
- Health and safety training. Eight health and safety credits are required every two years. They count toward your 12 annual credits.
- First aid and CPR. All staff keep current pediatric and adult first aid and CPR certification, with an in-person skills demonstration.
- Infant training. Staff who care for infants complete at least two credits of specialized infant training each year. When four or more infants are present, at least one staff member working with them needs a current Infant/Toddler Credential recognized by DFS and four credits of specialized infant training each year.
DFS must approve training before it counts. Training from an accredited college or university, or an approved organization, doesn't need individual approval. Source: DFS licensing rules, Chapter 11, Section 4. Wyoming's STARS training system offers online courses and keeps training records.
Staff-to-child ratios and group size
Wyoming sets ratios and maximum group sizes by age, and you must keep them during all hours of operation. Source: DFS licensing rules, Chapter 11, Section 2.
| Age group | 1 staff member | 2 staff members | 3 staff members (maximum group size) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infants (birth to 12 months) | 1:4 | 2:8 | 3:10 |
| One-year-olds | 1:5 | 2:10 | 3:12 |
| Two-year-olds | 1:8 | 2:16 | 3:18 |
| Three- and four-year-olds | 1:12 | 2:24 | 3:30 |
| School-age (5 and older) | 1:18 | 2:32 | 3:40 |
You can't combine the scenarios in the table. Open spots can be filled by children older than the spot allows. In a mixed-age group with only two-year-olds and older, use the ratio for the youngest child. For groups that include younger children, Wyoming offers two mixed-age options: Option 1 allows one staff member for up to eight children with no more than two infants and two one-year-olds, and Option 2 allows one staff member for up to ten children with no more than two under age two. With two staff, Option 1 allows up to 15 children with limits for each age group, so check the full table in the rule. Group size can't be exceeded for more than one hour during opening and closing, meals and snacks, and special events. See also brightwheel's guide to childcare ratios.
Space and play areas
- Indoor space. At least 35 square feet of usable play space per child, available all day. Hallways, closets, bathrooms, offices, and food preparation areas don't count. When cribs or play yards stay standing in the play space, infants and toddlers need 50 square feet each.
- Outdoor space. At least 75 square feet per child, required if you provide care for more than four hours a day. If you can't meet it, you need an approved plan to rotate children. The play area must be fenced at least four feet high and have a shaded area.
- Outdoor and large-muscle play. Every child gets outdoor play for at least 30 minutes a day when the weather allows.
Source: DFS licensing rules, Chapter 11, Sections 13 and 14. For playground surfacing and equipment, follow the manufacturer's instructions or the Consumer Product Safety Commission guidance.
Health and safety standards
- Fire safety. Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are required, and smoke alarms must be tested at least monthly. Fire extinguishers must be rated at least 2A-10:BC and inspected monthly in homes. Sleeping rooms need an emergency escape and rescue window. Source: DFS licensing rules, Chapters 9 and 10.
- Weapons. Programs outside the owner's residence must prohibit firearms, ammunition, and other weapons. In a residence, weapons and ammunition must be inaccessible to children and stored locked and separately. Source: DFS licensing rules, Chapter 11, Section 12.
- Safe sleep. Cribs must meet CPSC standards, and drop-side and stacking cribs are prohibited. Source: DFS licensing rules, Chapter 11, Section 10.
- Immunizations. Children in care must have current immunizations or an approved exemption. Source: DFS licensing rules, Chapter 11, Section 16.
- Supervision. Video and audio monitors can't replace staff supervision. Source: DFS licensing rules, Chapter 11, Section 2.
- Food safety. Wyoming requires food safety inspections, and centers and homes follow Chapter 8. Source: DFS licensing rules, Chapter 8.
How do I apply for a childcare license in Wyoming?
You apply to DFS Child Care Licensing, which reviews your application, schedules inspections, and issues the license. DFS also publishes a New Provider Child Care Digital Toolkit with the application, requirements for all adults, and site-specific information. For questions, call the Licensing Support line at 307-777-3540 or contact the licenser for your area. Source: DFS New Provider Digital Toolkit.
Step 1: Check local zoning, fire, and health requirements
Contact your city or county about zoning and any business license before you sign a lease or buy a building. You need approval from state or local fire, sanitation, and zoning officials where required. Source: DFS licensing rules, Chapter 2, Section 2.
Step 2: Complete pre-service training
Owners and directors finish approved pre-service training before the license is issued. Wyoming's STARS training system provides online training, awards training credits, and keeps staff training records. Source: DFS licensing rules, Chapter 11, Section 4.
Step 3: Start your background checks
Every staff member and adult household member needs a Central Registry check, a fingerprint-based national and state criminal history check, and sex offender registry checks, covering each state lived in during the past five years. DFS's background check FAQs explain how to submit the background check form and fingerprint cards to the DFS Background Check Unit. Source: DFS licensing rules, Chapter 2, Section 2 and DFS background check FAQs.
Step 4: Gather your documents and submit the application
Submit a signed and dated application with the $25 fee by check or money order payable to DFS. The application packet is the Application for Child Care Certification (CCL-105B), and you can download it from the DFS toolkit. The application guide also lists items such as:
- Proof of fire and sanitation inspection approval and zoning or business license, where required.
- A list of governing body members, owners, and shareholders, if applicable.
- Your parent handbook or policies, emergency plan, sample menu, and sample child, attendance, and staff record forms.
- Proof of your high school diploma or equivalent and your education and experience.
- A water test for private wells and pet vaccination records, if they apply to you.
- Proof of pre-service training and your signed acknowledgment of the licensing rules.
Required documents can arrive with the application or within 30 days after DFS receives a complete application. If DFS doesn't have everything within 30 days, it denies the application. Source: DFS licensing rules, Chapter 2, Section 2 and DFS toolkit.
Step 5: Pass your licensing inspection
Within 30 days after you file, a DFS licenser conducts a scheduled inspection of your facility. The licenser measures your indoor and outdoor play space and reviews your records. Source: DFS licensing rules, Chapter 2, Sections 2 and 5.
Step 6: Receive your license
DFS can issue a one-year license, issue a provisional license, or deny the application. A provisional license lasts up to six months and can be issued when you are working in good faith to meet all requirements or are following an approved corrective action plan. Your license is for the address, owner, and facility named on it, and it must be displayed in the facility. Source: DFS licensing rules, Chapter 2, Sections 2, 6, and 7.
How long does licensing take?
DFS doesn't publish a total processing time. The rules require your documents within 30 days of a complete application and your first inspection within 30 days of filing. Background checks, training, and local approvals often set the pace, so start them early.
Whether you open a center or a home, brightwheel's new program support and childcare management software can help you launch. For help with a plan, branding, and enrollment, see our guides on how to write a daycare business plan, child care marketing, and daycare names. Compare other states in our childcare licensing requirements by state.
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
How much does a daycare license cost in Wyoming?
Wyoming charges a flat $25 application fee for every facility type, due when you submit the application. Renewal costs another $25. Source: DFS licensing rules, Chapter 2, Section 9.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee (all facility types) | $25 |
| Renewal fee | $25 |
| Central Registry screening | $10 per screen plus an online processing fee |
Plan separately for fingerprinting and background check fees (DFS's background check FAQs list how to pay), pre-service training, first aid and CPR courses, a private well water test if you have a well, fire and sanitation inspection costs, and any local permits.
How do I stay compliant with my Wyoming daycare license?
Renewal
Your license lasts one year. The $25 renewal fee is due on the expiration date of your current license. DFS decides on renewal based on your request for renewal, the fee, a review of your program documents and the licensing, fire, and health inspection reports, and your continued compliance with the licensing rules. Source: DFS licensing rules, Chapter 2, Sections 9 and 10.
Inspections and monitoring
DFS conducts at least one unannounced and one announced licensing inspection each year, and it can visit more often for compliance monitoring, technical assistance, or complaints. Annual fire, food safety, and health inspections are also required, and local ordinances may require more. Source: DFS licensing rules, Chapter 2, Section 5.
Ongoing requirements
- Complete 12 training credits a year for each staff member who counts, and eight health and safety credits every two years.
- Repeat Central Registry and sex offender registry checks every year, and fingerprint-based and state criminal checks every five years.
- Tell DFS in writing as soon as you know about changes to your facility name, director or board, classification or capacity, structure or room use, mailing address or phone number, or household members, or if you close.
- Submit a corrective action plan within 10 days if an inspection finds non-compliance, and correct violations within 30 days.
- Report an open child protective services or law enforcement investigation of a staff member within 24 hours.
Source: DFS licensing rules, Chapters 2 and 11.
Complaints and enforcement
Anyone can file a complaint with DFS, including anonymously. DFS can deny, revoke, or suspend a license under Chapter 3 of the rules. Source: DFS licensing rules, Chapters 2 and 3.
After you receive your daycare license, you can choose a name for your childcare business and develop your marketing strategies to enroll families. Our checklist for starting a daycare business can help you stay organized.
What financial resources are available for Wyoming childcare providers?
Yes. Grants are financial awards from government agencies or private foundations that do not need to be repaid. Programs use them for improving facilities, buying equipment or materials, and offering staff professional development. Review the current grants for childcare providers in Wyoming to find options that fit your program.
Frequently asked questions
Who licenses daycares in Wyoming?
The Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS) licenses child care facilities. Its Child Care Licensing staff review applications, inspect facilities, and issue one-year licenses.
How much does a daycare license cost in Wyoming?
The application fee is $25 for every facility type, and renewal is $25. You also pay separately for background checks, training, inspections, and any local permits.
Do I need a license to watch children at home in Wyoming?
You need a license if you care for more than two children who aren't related to you, unless you qualify for an exemption. Examples include occasional care for a neighbor's child and care for only one immediate family unit.
What are the daycare license types in Wyoming?
A family child care home is in your primary residence and holds up to 10 children. A family child care center is in a residence or commercial building and holds up to 15. A child care center is in a non-residence and holds 16 or more.
What is the staff-to-child ratio for Wyoming daycares?
Ratios are 1:4 for infants, 1:5 for one-year-olds, 1:8 for two-year-olds, 1:12 for three- and four-year-olds, and 1:18 for school-age children, with maximum group sizes when you add staff.
What training do daycare staff need in Wyoming?
Staff complete approved pre-service training, then at least 12 training credits each year. Eight health and safety credits are required every two years, and first aid and CPR must stay current.
How often are Wyoming daycares inspected?
DFS conducts at least one unannounced and one announced licensing inspection each year. Annual fire, food safety, and health inspections are also required.
Final thoughts
Securing a childcare license is a critical first step in launching a program in Wyoming. Designed with new childcare programs in mind, brightwheel's software streamlines operations, improves communication, and supports your program's growth from day one, and you can begin setting it up before you open.
