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Kentucky Preschool Licensing Requirements

Licensing requirements, staff-to-child ratios, and teacher credential requirements for preschool programs in Kentucky.

Kentucky Preschool — Compliance Quick Reference

Ages served	Typically 2.5–5 years (verify with KY CHFS)
Preschool ratio (licensed center)	1:11, max group 24
Regulating agency (private preschool)	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)

Kentucky preschool: Staff-to-child ratio requirements

Preschool programs in Kentucky 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).

Program type	Staff:child ratio	Max group size	Notes
Private preschool (licensed center) (3–5 years)	1:11	24	3yr group=24; 4yr ratio=1:15 group=28 (922 KAR 2:120)

Source: 922 KAR 2:090 (Standards for Certified Child Care Centers), Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Always verify current ratios with KY CHFS.

Kentucky preschool: Credential & training requirements

Director / Operator requirements

Private preschools operating under a Kentucky childcare center license require a director meeting Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services’s qualification standards under 922 KAR 2:090 (Standards for Certified Child Care Centers). Requirements typically include ECE coursework, administrative experience, and background clearance. Some states require a specific director credential or permit for programs serving preschool-age children.

Teacher / Caregiver requirements

Preschool lead teachers in Kentucky must meet minimum education requirements set by Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Most states require at minimum a CDA credential or equivalent ECE college coursework for preschool teachers. Contact Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services for the current teacher qualification standard, as requirements may differ between privately licensed and state-funded programs.

Annual training requirements

All preschool staff at Kentucky-licensed programs must complete continuing education hours annually. CPR and pediatric first aid are required for all direct-care staff. State-funded programs may have additional professional development requirements tied to their funding contract.

How to get a preschool license in Kentucky

Private preschool programs in Kentucky follow the childcare center licensing process administered by Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services:

Determine which licensing pathway applies: Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services center license (private preschool).
For a private preschool: apply for a childcare center license through Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services — Division of Child Care (DCC) — Office of Inspector General. The process includes application, background checks, and pre-licensing inspection.
Ensure the director meets Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services’s qualification requirements before the license is issued.
Ensure lead preschool teachers meet the credential or coursework requirements under 922 KAR 2:090 (Standards for Certified Child Care Centers).
Complete the pre-licensing inspection and any additional requirements.

Licensing contact: Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services — Division of Child Care (DCC) — Office of Inspector General.
Official resource: https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dcbs/dcc/Pages/default.aspx

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Frequently asked questions: Kentucky preschool licensing

Does a private preschool in Kentucky need a childcare center license?

Yes — private preschool programs in Kentucky that serve children in a group setting are typically required to be licensed as a childcare center by Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services under 922 KAR 2:090 (Standards for Certified Child Care Centers). The staff-to-child ratio for preschool-age children (3–5 years) in a licensed center is 1:11 with a maximum group size of 24. Contact Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services for the licensing threshold (how many children trigger the licensing requirement).

What teaching credential does a Kentucky preschool teacher need?

Kentucky preschool teacher credential requirements are set by Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services under 922 KAR 2:090 (Standards for Certified Child Care Centers). Most states require lead preschool teachers to hold at minimum a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent early childhood education college coursework. Contact Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services for the current credential standard applicable to your program type and funding source.

What is the staff-to-child ratio for a Kentucky preschool classroom?

For private preschool programs licensed by Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services in Kentucky, the required staff-to-child ratio for preschool-age children (3–5 years) is 1:11, with a maximum group size of 24. Contact KY CHFS to verify the current ratio requirement.

Are there state-funded preschool options in Kentucky?

Kentucky may have state-funded preschool options through Head Start, state pre-K programs, or other initiatives. Contact Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services or your local school district for information on state-funded preschool programs in your area.

How is kindergarten different from a licensed preschool in Kentucky?

Kindergarten in Kentucky is a school-district program regulated by the state department of education under K–12 education law — not by Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Private licensed preschools must be licensed by Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services under 922 KAR 2:090 (Standards for Certified Child Care Centers) and meet childcare center standards. Programs serving children ages 3–5 before kindergarten age must be licensed if they meet the threshold for group care. Contact Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services for the exact age and group size thresholds that require licensure.

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.

Also in this guide: Kentucky Childcare Center Requirements, Kentucky Small Family Child Care Home Requirements, Kentucky Large Family Child Care Home Requirements

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.