| License type | Childcare center |
| Regulating agency | Utah Department of Health and Human Services — Office of Child Care (OCC) — Licensing |
| Regulatory code | Utah Admin. Code R381-100 (Child Care Centers — General); Utah Code §26B-2-201 et seq. |
| Infant ratio | 1:4 (max group: —) |
| Toddler ratio | 1:5 (max group: —) |
| Preschool ratio | 1:10 (max group: —) |
Utah licensed childcare center: Staff-to-child ratio requirements
Licensed childcare centers in Utah must maintain specific staff-to-child ratios at all times as required by Utah Department of Health and Human Services under Utah Admin. Code R381-100 (Child Care Centers — General); Utah Code §26B-2-201 et seq..
| Age group | Staff:child ratio | Max group size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infant (0–18 months) | 1:4 | — | Birth–12 months |
| Toddler (18–36 months) | 1:5 | — | 12–36 months |
| Preschool (3–5 years) | 1:10 | — | Ages 3–4 years |
Source: Utah Admin. Code R381-100 (Child Care Centers — General); Utah Code §26B-2-201 et seq., Utah Department of Health and Human Services. Always verify current ratios directly with UT DHHS.
Utah licensed childcare center: Credential & training requirements
Director / Operator requirements
Utah childcare center directors must meet minimum education and experience requirements established by Utah Department of Health and Human Services under Utah Admin. Code R381-100 (Child Care Centers — General); Utah Code §26B-2-201 et seq.. Most states require directors to hold a combination of early childhood education (ECE) college coursework, teaching or administrative experience, and a valid background clearance. Some states require a specific director credential or permit. Contact Utah Department of Health and Human Services for the current director qualification standard applicable to your program type.
Teacher / Caregiver requirements
Lead teachers and caregivers in Utah licensed childcare centers must meet minimum education requirements set by Utah Department of Health and Human Services. Requirements often include ECE college coursework or an equivalent credential (such as a Child Development Associate — CDA credential), plus ongoing continuing education. Aides or assistant teachers typically must be at least 18 years old and work under the direct supervision of a qualified lead teacher.
Annual training requirements
All center staff in Utah are typically required to complete annual continuing education hours approved by Utah Department of Health and Human Services. CPR and pediatric first aid certification is required for most childcare center staff and must be kept current. Contact Utah Department of Health and Human Services for the current annual training hour requirement and approved training topics.
Utah licensed childcare center: Facility requirements
The following physical environment standards apply to licensed childcare centers in Utah under Utah Admin. Code R381-100 (Child Care Centers — General); Utah Code §26B-2-201 et seq..
| Indoor space | Minimum square footage per child required; verify with UT DHHS for your age group and license type |
| Outdoor space | Fenced outdoor play area required; minimum square footage per child; age-appropriate equipment |
| Infant sleeping | Dedicated sleeping area; individual cribs or safe sleep surfaces for infants |
| Emergency exits | Clearly marked, unobstructed; fire evacuation plan posted; regular fire drills required |
| Background checks | Live Scan or equivalent fingerprint background check required for all staff with child contact |
| Health & safety | Health department and/or fire authority inspection required before license issuance |
How to get a childcare center license in Utah
The childcare center licensing process in Utah is administered by Utah Department of Health and Human Services. The general steps are:
- Contact Utah Department of Health and Human Services — Office of Child Care (OCC) — Licensing to request a licensing application packet and pre-application guidance.
- Submit a completed application including facility information, disclosure forms, and background check authorization for all staff with child contact.
- Complete background checks (fingerprinting) for the owner/director and all staff.
- Obtain local fire clearance and any required health department inspection for the facility.
- Pass a pre-licensing site visit from a UT DHHS licensing analyst verifying compliance with Utah Admin. Code R381-100 (Child Care Centers — General); Utah Code §26B-2-201 et seq. physical environment requirements.
- Receive your childcare center license from Utah Department of Health and Human Services. Each physical location requires a separate license.
Licensing contact: Utah Department of Health and Human Services — Office of Child Care (OCC) — Licensing.
Official resource: https://childcare.utah.gov/licensing
Always be in ratio — brightwheel makes it automatic.
Brightwheel’s real-time attendance tracking alerts staff the moment any Utah classroom approaches ratio limits required under Utah Admin. Code R381-100 (Child Care Centers — General); Utah Code §26B-2-201 et seq..
Frequently asked questions: Utah childcare center licensing
Sources & references
This page was compiled from official government sources. Always verify current requirements directly with Utah Department of Health and Human Services before making licensing or compliance decisions.
- Utah Department of Health and Human Services — childcare center licensing
- ACF Licensing Regulations Database — Utah
Also in this guide: Utah Small Family Child Care Home Requirements, Utah Large Family Child Care Home Requirements, Utah Preschool Requirements