2024 CCDF rule update: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services tightened CCDBG attendance documentation requirements. Kentucky providers receiving subsidy payments must maintain verifiable attendance records. The January 2026 ACF proposed rule may restore state flexibility, but documentation requirements remain in effect during the comment period.
| Licensing agency | Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services — Division of Child Care (DCC) — Office of Inspector General |
| Regulatory code | 922 KAR 2:090 (Standards for Certified Child Care Centers) |
| Infant ratio (center) | 1:5 (max group: 10) |
| Toddler ratio (center) | 1:7 (max group: 12) |
| Preschool ratio (center) | 1:11 (max group: 24) |
| Subsidy program | Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) |
| CCDBG payment model | Enrollment-based |
| Digital attendance required | Yes — attendance documentation required for subsidy compliance |
Kentucky childcare center: Staff-to-child ratio requirements
Kentucky licensed childcare centers must maintain specific staff-to-child ratios at all times as required by Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services under 922 KAR 2:090 (Standards for Certified Child Care Centers).
| Age group |
Staff:child ratio |
Max group size |
Regulation |
| Infant (0–18 months) |
1:5 |
10 |
KY DCBS Child Care Center Regulations |
| Toddler (18–36 months) |
1:7 |
12 |
KY DCBS Child Care Center Regs |
| Preschool (3–5 years) |
1:11 |
24 |
KY DCBS Child Care Center Regs |
Source: 922 KAR 2:090 (Standards for Certified Child Care Centers). Always verify current ratios directly with KY CHFS before making staffing decisions.
Kentucky childcare licensing agency
All childcare programs in Kentucky must be licensed by Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services through the Division of Child Care (DCC) — Office of Inspector General. The agency conducts pre-licensing inspections, issues licenses, and performs ongoing compliance monitoring.
| Agency | Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services |
| Division | Division of Child Care (DCC) — Office of Inspector General |
| Website | https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dcbs/dcc/Pages/default.aspx |
| Regulatory code | 922 KAR 2:090 (Standards for Certified Child Care Centers) |
| Last verified | March 2026 |
What changed for Kentucky childcare providers in 2024–2026
2024
HHS CCDF final rule — attendance documentation tightened. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued a final rule requiring all states to tighten CCDBG attendance tracking. Kentucky providers receiving subsidy payments must maintain verifiable, date-stamped attendance records for each subsidized child.
Jan 2026
ACF proposed rule — state flexibility may be restored. The Administration for Children and Families published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that would allow states to choose between enrollment-based and attendance-based payment models. The rule was in the public comment period as of early 2026. Check
acf.hhs.gov for the latest status.
Kentucky CCDBG / subsidy compliance requirements
Kentucky’s Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) subsidy program — Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) — is administered by KY Cabinet for Health & Family Services — CCAO. Providers accepting subsidy-funded children must meet attendance documentation requirements to receive reimbursement.
| Program name | Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) |
| Administering agency | KY Cabinet for Health & Family Services — CCAO |
| Payment model | In transition — historically attendance-based; 2024 CCDF rule required enrollment-based; Jan 2026 NPRM proposes restoring state flexibility |
| Digital attendance required | Yes — attendance documentation required for subsidy compliance |
| Absence policy | Verify from KY CHFS — typically 30 days per year |
Kentucky is transitioning between payment models as federal policy evolves. The 2024 CCDF rule required enrollment-based payment; the Jan 2026 ACF NPRM proposes restoring state flexibility. Digital attendance documentation is essential audit protection during this period of uncertainty.
Brightwheel helps Kentucky providers stay compliant.
Digital attendance tracking, parent sign-in/sign-out, and subsidy billing — built for Kentucky childcare programs navigating the 2024 CCDF rule change.
Digital attendance logs
Timestamped check-in/out records satisfy KY documentation requirements and create an audit-ready trail.
Subsidy billing
Invoice Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) and private-pay families from one platform — no dual systems needed.
Parent sign-in/sign-out
PIN-based parent check-in creates a verifiable attendance record for every drop-off and pickup.
See how brightwheel automates compliance for Kentucky providers →
Frequently asked questions: Kentucky childcare licensing
Does Kentucky require a license to operate a childcare center?
Yes — Kentucky requires all childcare centers serving children in a group setting to be licensed by Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (KY CHFS). Licensing ensures programs meet minimum standards for staff-to-child ratios, director qualifications, facility safety, and health requirements. Operating without a license is prohibited and may result in fines or closure.
What are the staff-to-child ratios for childcare centers in Kentucky?
Kentucky licensed childcare centers must maintain the following minimum ratios: infants (under 18 months): 1:5; toddlers (18–36 months): 1:7; preschool age (3–5 years): 1:11; school-age: 1:15. These ratios are set under 922 KAR 2:090 (Standards for Certified Child Care Centers). Always verify current requirements with KY CHFS.
How does Kentucky handle CCDBG subsidy attendance documentation?
Kentucky’s subsidy program is administered through Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) under KY Cabinet for Health & Family Services — CCAO. In transition — historically attendance-based; 2024 CCDF rule required enrollment-based; Jan 2026 NPRM proposes restoring state flexibility. Kentucky is transitioning between payment models as federal policy evolves. The 2024 CCDF rule required enrollment-based payment; the Jan 2026 ACF NPRM proposes restoring state flexibility. Digital attendance documentation is essential audit protection during this period of uncertainty.
What agency licenses childcare in Kentucky?
Childcare programs in Kentucky are licensed by Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services — Division of Child Care (DCC) — Office of Inspector General. The regulatory framework is 922 KAR 2:090 (Standards for Certified Child Care Centers). Visit https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dcbs/dcc/Pages/default.aspx for official licensing applications, regulations, and contacts.
How long does it take to get a childcare license in Kentucky?
The timeline to obtain a childcare center license in Kentucky typically ranges from 2–6 months depending on application completeness, background check processing, and scheduling of the required pre-licensing inspection. Applicants should contact Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services early in the planning process. Programs may not operate until the license is issued.
Does the 2024 HHS rule change affect Kentucky childcare providers?
Yes — the 2024 CCDF final rule from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services tightened attendance documentation requirements for all states receiving CCDBG funding, including Kentucky. Kentucky providers receiving CCAP/subsidy payments must maintain accurate, verifiable attendance records. The January 2026 ACF proposed rule may restore some state flexibility, but documentation requirements remain in effect while the rule is under review.
County-specific childcare requirements in Kentucky
Childcare licensing in Kentucky is set at the state level — the same standards apply statewide. However, local requirements vary by county for zoning approvals, conditional use permits, fire safety inspections, health permits, and business licenses. Below are compliance guides for Kentucky’s 3 largest counties by population.
Sources & references
This page was compiled from official government sources. Always verify current requirements directly with Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services before making licensing or compliance decisions.
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 Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services at
https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dcbs/dcc/Pages/default.aspx before making compliance decisions. Last verified: April 2026.
