Chester County, PA Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)
Key Facts
- Regulator
- PA Dept. of Human Services (OCDEL)
- Regulation
- 55 Pa. Code Chapter 3290
- Triggers license
- 4, 5, or 6 unrelated children
- Certificate term
- Up to 12 months, nontransferable
- County role
- None; municipal zoning may apply
Summary
A family child care home caring for four, five, or six unrelated children is licensed by the PA Department of Human Services under 55 Pa. Code Chapter 3290, not by Chester County. It needs a Certificate of Compliance and passes annual unannounced inspections. Municipal zoning may also apply.
A home other than the child's own home, operated for profit or not-for-profit, in which child care is provided at any one time to four, five or six children unrelated to the operator.
Full Breakdown
In Pennsylvania, home-based child care is regulated by the Department of Human Services, Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). Under 55 Pa. Code Chapter 3290, a family child care home providing care for four, five, or six unrelated children must hold a Certificate of Compliance before operating; it is issued to a specific legal entity at a specific location, is nontransferable, and lasts up to 12 months. Caring for three or fewer unrelated children is generally exempt. Chester County does not issue these licenses, but your borough or township zoning may separately treat a daycare as a home occupation or special use.
Violations & Fines
Operating a family child care home for four or more unrelated children without a DHS Certificate of Compliance is unlawful and subject to state enforcement, including closure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many kids can I watch without a license?
Does Chester County license home daycares?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chester County
Compare Chester County to another location·View the Pennsylvania home business overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.