| License type | Childcare center |
| Regulating agency | Wyoming Department of Family Services — Child Care Licensing Unit |
| Regulatory code | Wyoming Admin. Rules DFS-REGS-2021-02 (Child Care Center Licensing Requirements); Wyo. Stat. §14-4-101 et seq. |
| Infant ratio | 1:4 (max group: —) |
| Toddler ratio | 1:10 (max group: —) |
| Preschool ratio | 1:10 (max group: —) |
Wyoming licensed childcare center: Staff-to-child ratio requirements
Licensed childcare centers in Wyoming must maintain specific staff-to-child ratios at all times as required by Wyoming Department of Family Services under Wyoming Admin. Rules DFS-REGS-2021-02 (Child Care Center Licensing Requirements); Wyo. Stat. §14-4-101 et seq..
| Age group | Staff:child ratio | Max group size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infant (0–18 months) | 1:4 | — | Birth–12 months |
| Toddler (18–36 months) | 1:10 | — | 12–36 months |
| Preschool (3–5 years) | 1:10 | — | Ages 3–5 years |
Source: Wyoming Admin. Rules DFS-REGS-2021-02 (Child Care Center Licensing Requirements); Wyo. Stat. §14-4-101 et seq., Wyoming Department of Family Services. Always verify current ratios directly with WY DFS.
Wyoming licensed childcare center: Credential & training requirements
Director / Operator requirements
Wyoming childcare center directors must meet minimum education and experience requirements established by Wyoming Department of Family Services under Wyoming Admin. Rules DFS-REGS-2021-02 (Child Care Center Licensing Requirements); Wyo. Stat. §14-4-101 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 Wyoming Department of Family Services for the current director qualification standard applicable to your program type.
Teacher / Caregiver requirements
Lead teachers and caregivers in Wyoming licensed childcare centers must meet minimum education requirements set by Wyoming Department of Family 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 Wyoming are typically required to complete annual continuing education hours approved by Wyoming Department of Family Services. CPR and pediatric first aid certification is required for most childcare center staff and must be kept current. Contact Wyoming Department of Family Services for the current annual training hour requirement and approved training topics.
Wyoming licensed childcare center: Facility requirements
The following physical environment standards apply to licensed childcare centers in Wyoming under Wyoming Admin. Rules DFS-REGS-2021-02 (Child Care Center Licensing Requirements); Wyo. Stat. §14-4-101 et seq..
| Indoor space | Minimum square footage per child required; verify with WY DFS 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 Wyoming
The childcare center licensing process in Wyoming is administered by Wyoming Department of Family Services. The general steps are:
- Contact Wyoming Department of Family Services — Child Care Licensing Unit 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 WY DFS licensing analyst verifying compliance with Wyoming Admin. Rules DFS-REGS-2021-02 (Child Care Center Licensing Requirements); Wyo. Stat. §14-4-101 et seq. physical environment requirements.
- Receive your childcare center license from Wyoming Department of Family Services. Each physical location requires a separate license.
Licensing contact: Wyoming Department of Family Services — Child Care Licensing Unit.
Official resource: https://wyomingworkforce.org/workers/childcare
Always be in ratio — brightwheel makes it automatic.
Brightwheel’s real-time attendance tracking alerts staff the moment any Wyoming classroom approaches ratio limits required under Wyoming Admin. Rules DFS-REGS-2021-02 (Child Care Center Licensing Requirements); Wyo. Stat. §14-4-101 et seq..
Frequently asked questions: Wyoming childcare center licensing
Sources & references
This page was compiled from official government sources. Always verify current requirements directly with Wyoming Department of Family Services before making licensing or compliance decisions.
- Wyoming Department of Family Services — childcare center licensing
- ACF Licensing Regulations Database — Wyoming
Also in this guide: Wyoming Small Family Child Care Home Requirements, Wyoming Large Family Child Care Home Requirements, Wyoming Preschool Requirements