Pittsburgh, PA Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)
Key Facts
- Family Child Care
- Up to 6 children -- 55 Pa. Code Ch. 3290
- Group Child Care
- 7-12 children -- 55 Pa. Code Ch. 3280
- Zoning Exemption
- 3 or fewer children exempt from home occupation rules
- Local Permit
- Certificate of Occupancy required
- Background Checks
- FBI, state police, and child abuse clearances
Summary
Pittsburgh exempts in-home child care for 3 or fewer children from home occupation rules. Larger operations need a PA DHS license and local Certificate of Occupancy.
If you are looking for help to pay child care expenses, or if you need help figuring out how to care for and educate your young child, Child Care Works can help. For more information, call the Child Care Works helpline at 1-877-4-PA-KIDS. You can also find help and information at your local Early Learning Resource Center . We share the concern of parents that child care centers, group child care homes and family child care homes in Pennsylvania meet basic health and safety standards. Through our Certification Services Bureau, we certify and register child care facilities to make sure they meet these standards.
Full Breakdown
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) licenses family child care homes under 55 Pa. Code Chapter 3290 for up to 6 children (plus the providers own). Group child care homes serving 7 to 12 children fall under 55 Pa. Code Chapter 3280. Before applying for a DHS certificate, operators must obtain a Certificate of Occupancy from the Pittsburgh Division of Zoning and Development Review confirming the location is properly zoned. Pittsburgh Zoning Code Chapter 912 exempts accessory in-home child care for 3 or fewer unrelated children from the standard home occupation requirements, provided the dwelling remains the operators primary residence. Care for 4 to 12 children requires an in-home day care permit from the PA Department of Labor and Industry. All providers need FBI and state police clearances, child abuse history certifications, and must meet DHS health and safety standards including fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and approved outdoor play space.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many children can I care for in my Pittsburgh home?
Do I need a zoning permit for a small in-home daycare in Pittsburgh?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pittsburgh
Compare Pittsburgh to another location·View the Pennsylvania home business overview
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Home Daycare in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Allegheny County handle home daycare.