---
title: "Louisiana Large Family Child Care Home Licensing Requirements"
id: "18605"
type: "page"
slug: "louisiana-large-family-child-care-home-licensing-requirements"
published_at: "2026-05-12T20:56:16+00:00"
modified_at: "2026-06-09T20:56:10+00:00"
url: "https://mybrightwheel.com/licensing-requirements/louisiana/louisiana-large-family-child-care-home-licensing-requirements/"
markdown_url: "https://mybrightwheel.com/licensing-requirements/louisiana/louisiana-large-family-child-care-home-licensing-requirements.md"
excerpt: "Part of the Louisiana compliance guide. Looking for ratios, subsidy rules, and licensing info across all program types? Louisiana Childcare Licensing Requirements: Full Guide → Louisiana Large Family Child Care Home — Compliance Quick Reference License type Large family child..."
taxonomy_language:
  - "English"
---

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 › Louisiana Large Family Child Care Home Licensing Requirements

# Louisiana Large Family Child Care Home Licensing Requirements (2026)

## Capacity limits, assistant provider requirements, and the licensing process for Louisiana large family child care homes.

**Part of the Louisiana compliance guide.** Looking for ratios, subsidy rules, and licensing info across all program types? [Louisiana Childcare Licensing Requirements: Full Guide →](https://mybrightwheel.com/licensing-requirements/louisiana/)

Louisiana Large Family Child Care Home — Compliance Quick Reference

| License type | Large family child care home |
| --- | --- |
| Regulating agency | Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services — Child Care Licensing — Division of Management and Finance |
| Regulatory code | LAC 67:III.Chapter 73 (Licensing Standards for Class B Child Care Centers) |
| Typical maximum capacity | Up to 12–14 children with assistant (verify with LA DCFS) |
| Assistant required | Yes — when group exceeds small home limit (typically 8+ children) |
| Provider credential | No Director Permit required; background check + pre-licensing orientation |
| Annual training | Both provider and assistant required (hours vary by state) |
| Setting | Provider’s own private residence |

## Louisiana large family child care home: Capacity rules

Large family child care homes in Louisiana use a capacity model with staffing tiers. Capacity depends on whether an assistant provider is present and the ages of children in care, under LAC 67:III.Chapter 73 (Licensing Standards for Class B Child Care Centers).

Large family child care homes require a licensed assistant provider when the group exceeds the single-provider limit. For programs serving fewer children, see the [Louisiana small family child care home page](https://mybrightwheel.com/licensing-requirements/louisiana/louisiana-small-family-child-care-home-licensing-requirements/)
.

| Capacity scenario | Staffing required | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Up to 8 children | Provider alone | Small family home rules typically apply; verify with LA DCFS |
| 9–12 children | Provider + assistant provider | Assistant must be approved by LA DCFS; infant limits apply |
| 13–14 children | Provider + assistant provider | Additional capacity criteria may apply; verify with Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services |
| Own children | Counted in total | Both provider’s and assistant’s own children under specified age count toward capacity |

## Louisiana large family child care home: Credential & training requirements

### Provider / Operator requirements

The licensed provider of a large family child care home in Louisiana must be at least 18 years old, pass a criminal background check (fingerprinting), and complete a pre-licensing health and safety orientation. No Director Permit is typically required. The provider must hold current CPR and pediatric first aid certification.

### Assistant provider requirements

The assistant provider must also be at least 18 years old, pass a background check, and complete CPR and first aid training. In most states, the assistant must be specifically identified and approved by the licensing agency as part of the license. An unapproved adult cannot fill the assistant role when the group exceeds the single-provider limit.

### Annual training requirements

Both the provider and assistant provider must each complete continuing education hours annually as required by Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services. Contact LA DCFS for the current training hour requirement and approved topics.

## Louisiana large family child care home: Facility requirements

The physical environment standards for large family child care homes in Louisiana are similar to small homes but must accommodate a larger group, under LAC 67:III.Chapter 73 (Licensing Standards for Class B Child Care Centers).

| Setting | Provider’s primary residence — same requirement as small family child care home |
| --- | --- |
| Outdoor space | Fenced outdoor play area; must safely accommodate the larger licensed group |
| Space assessment | LA DCFS will assess whether the home can safely accommodate the licensed capacity during the pre-licensing inspection |
| Sleeping arrangements | Appropriate sleep surfaces for all infants in care; safe sleep environment required |
| Assistant living arrangements | The assistant provider does not need to reside at the home but must be present whenever the group exceeds the single-provider limit |

## How to get a large family child care home license in Louisiana

The large family child care home licensing process in Louisiana is administered by Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services. Follow these general steps:

1. If expanding from a small family child care home, notify LA DCFS of your intent — you must apply for a new or modified large family home license.
2. Identify your assistant provider and submit their information to Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services — the assistant must complete background checks and CPR/first aid.
3. Complete the LA DCFS application for a large family child care home license including all required disclosure forms.
4. Schedule and pass an updated home inspection that evaluates the home’s capacity for the larger group.
5. Obtain any updated local zoning or fire permits if your jurisdiction requires them for the expanded capacity.
6. Receive your large family child care home license from Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services specifying the approved capacity and the named assistant provider.

**Licensing contact:** Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services — Child Care Licensing — Division of Management and Finance.  
 Official resource: [https://doe.louisiana.gov/early-childhood/child-care-facility-licensing](https://doe.louisiana.gov/early-childhood/child-care-facility-licensing)

### Growing your family childcare program? Brightwheel grows with you.

As you expand, brightwheel keeps billing, attendance, and parent communication organized — so the paperwork doesn’t slow you down.

**Enrollment management**Track authorized pickup lists, enrollment agreements, and subsidy authorizations in one place.

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**Subsidy billing**Invoice subsidy agencies and private-pay families without manual tracking.

[See brightwheel for family child care home providers →](https://mybrightwheel.com/in-home-child-care/)

## Frequently asked questions: Louisiana large family child care home licensing

How many children can a large family child care home in Louisiana care for?

Large family child care homes in Louisiana are typically licensed to care for up to 12–14 children total, including the provider’s own children under a specified age. Capacity depends on whether an assistant provider is present and the age mix of children. Exact limits are set under LAC 67:III.Chapter 73 (Licensing Standards for Class B Child Care Centers). Contact Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services for current capacity rules.

When is an assistant provider required for a Louisiana large family child care home?

An assistant provider is typically required in Louisiana whenever the group exceeds the limit for a single provider (usually more than 8 children). The assistant must pass background checks, hold CPR/first aid certification, and may need to be approved and named on the license. Contact Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services for specific assistant requirements under LAC 67:III.Chapter 73 (Licensing Standards for Class B Child Care Centers).

Do I need a new license to expand from a small to a large family child care home in Louisiana?

Yes — expanding from a small to a large family child care home in Louisiana typically requires applying for a new or modified license from Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services. You cannot simply add an assistant and expand without agency approval. The process includes identifying and background-clearing the assistant, passing an updated home inspection, and potentially updating local permits. Contact LA DCFS to begin the expansion process.

What are the infant limits for a large family child care home in Louisiana?

Large family child care homes in Louisiana typically have limits on the number of infants they may care for simultaneously, even within the total licensed capacity. Infant limits are set to ensure each infant receives adequate care and attention. Verify the specific infant limit with Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services under LAC 67:III.Chapter 73 (Licensing Standards for Class B Child Care Centers).

How does a large family child care home differ from a childcare center in Louisiana?

The core difference is the setting. A large family child care home operates in the provider’s private residence and is licensed under LAC 67:III.Chapter 73 (Licensing Standards for Class B Child Care Centers) for home-based care. A licensed childcare center operates in a commercial or institutional facility and has different facility, ratio, and group-size requirements. Centers also require director permits and can serve larger groups based on physical space. See the [Louisiana childcare center page](https://mybrightwheel.com/licensing-requirements/louisiana/louisiana-childcare-center-licensing-requirements/)
 for details.

## Sources & references

This page was compiled from official government sources. Always verify current requirements directly with Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services before making licensing or compliance decisions.

- [Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services — family child care home licensing](https://doe.louisiana.gov/early-childhood/child-care-facility-licensing)
- [ACF Licensing Regulations Database — Louisiana](https://licensingregulations.acf.hhs.gov)

**Also in this guide:** [Louisiana Childcare Center Requirements](/licensing-requirements/louisiana/louisiana-childcare-center-licensing-requirements/)
, [Louisiana Small Family Child Care Home Requirements](/licensing-requirements/louisiana/louisiana-small-family-child-care-home-licensing-requirements/)
, [Louisiana Preschool Requirements](/licensing-requirements/louisiana/louisiana-preschool-licensing-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 Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services at [https://doe.louisiana.gov/early-childhood/child-care-facility-licensing](https://doe.louisiana.gov/early-childhood/child-care-facility-licensing)
 before making compliance decisions. Last verified: April 2026.