Can my town's zoning prohibit a state-licensed daycare in my home?

No. Connecticut law treats licensed family child care homes as a permitted residential use, overriding local zoning bans. Towns may only regulate parking and traffic for larger group homes.

How many children can I watch without a state license?

Connecticut requires OEC licensing once you regularly care for children from more than one unrelated family. Care limited to relatives or a single family generally falls outside licensing requirements.

Connecticut Home Daycare Law: Statewide Home Business Rules (2026)

Key Facts

Licensing agency: Office of Early Childhood
Zoning preemption statute: Sec. 19a-87b
Family home capacity: Up to 6 plus 3
Background checks: Required for household
Unlicensed operation: Class A misdemeanor

Full Breakdown

Under Conn. Gen. Stat. Sec. 19a-87b, the Office of Early Childhood (OEC) issues family child care home licenses for providers caring for up to six children full-time plus three school-age part-time children. The statute expressly provides that licensed family child care homes are a permitted residential use and overrides local zoning ordinances that would otherwise exclude them. Providers must complete background checks, training, CPR/first aid, and home safety inspections. Group child care homes (7-12 children) require additional licensing and may be subject to limited local zoning review for traffic and parking only.

Violations & Penalties

Operating without OEC licensing is a class A misdemeanor and may result in immediate closure orders, fines up to $1,000 per day, and permanent licensing disqualification.

Connecticut Family Child Care Home Licensing Statewide

Key Facts

Full Breakdown

Violations & Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

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