Correct Answers| 2026 Updated
License Application Process and Minimum Age Requirements
All licensed child care programs must have an annual application approved by
the Department in order to operate as a child care facility. For licensed
programs, the application must be submitted at least 45 days prior to the
expiration of the current license. Through the licensure process, the Department
will review background screening information for the individuals involved with
the program
If an initial or renewal application for licensure is approved, one of three statuses
of licensure is issued:
Annual (regular): issued when all requirements are met or corrected timely
Provisional status: issued when the program is not in full compliance due to
circumstances beyond control of the program and is not considered a
disciplinary sanction; may be issued for a period not to exceed six months and
renewed one time for circumstances beyond the control of the applicant
Probationary status: issued when the license is in jeopardy of being revoked or
not renewed due to violations of licensing standards (renewal only)
, When a child is enrolled in the child care program, the following statements must
be signed by the parent or guardian to acknowledge they received the
information:
Department's Know Your Child Care Facility brochure
Written disciplinary and expulsion policies
Influenza information annually during the months of August and September
Food and nutrition policies that include language on food safety and food
allergens (not required for school-age child care programs)
Staff to child ratio
Maintaining staff-to-child ratios protects the safety of the children in care, while
providing experiences that strengthen their development.
Staff to child ratio
Infants (Birth to 1 Year):4
1-year-old children:6
2-year-old children:11
3-year-old children:15
4-year-old children:20
5-year-old children or older:25
Mixed age groups - includes child(ren) under 1 year of
age groups - includes child(ren)over 1 year of age but under 2 years of age:4