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Connecticut Statewide Rule

Connecticut Family Child Care Home Licensing Statewide

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Connecticut (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
Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: State of Connecticut

Summary

Connecticut Office of Early Childhood licenses all family child care homes statewide. Conn. Gen. Stat. Sec. 19a-87b preempts municipal zoning that would prohibit licensed homes serving up to twelve children in residential districts.

(a) No zoning regulation shall treat any family child care home [registered] or group child care home, located in a residence and licensed by the Office of Early Childhood pursuant to [section 17b-733] chapter 368a, in a manner different from single or multifamily dwellings.

Source: State of ConnecticutView official code

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Sources

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