Kentucky Statewide Rule

Kentucky Family Child-Care Home Licensing and Certification Rules

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Kentucky (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: KRS 199.892-896
Regulation: 922 KAR 2:100
Certified capacity: Up to 6 children
Background check: Required statewide
Regulator: CHFS Regulated Child Care

Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Commonwealth of Kentucky

Summary

Kentucky requires state certification or licensure for any home caring for children from more than one unrelated family, with capacity limits, background checks, and inspection standards set by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services that preempt conflicting local rules.

(1) (a) The cabinet shall establish a family child-care home certification program which shall be administered by the department. A family child-care provider shall apply for certification of the provider's home if the provider is caring for four (4) to six (6) children unrelated to the provider. A family child-care provider caring for three (3) or fewer children may apply for certification of the provider's home at the discretion of the provider. Applicants for certification shall not have been found by the cabinet or a court to have abused or neglected a child, and shall meet the following minimum requirements:

Source: Commonwealth of KentuckyView official code

Full Breakdown

KRS 199.892 to 199.896 and 922 KAR 2:100 govern certified family child-care homes serving up to six children, while licensed Type II homes follow stricter rules. Operators must obtain certification, pass criminal background checks under KRS 199.462, complete pediatric first aid and CPR training, and meet health and safety standards. The Division of Regulated Child Care inspects annually. Local governments may not impose licensing requirements duplicative of state child-care regulation, though zoning, occupancy, and fire codes still apply. Federal CCDBG funding ties additional standards to providers serving subsidized children.

Violations & Penalties

Operating an uncertified home, exceeding capacity, or failing background checks can result in cease-and-desist orders, civil penalties, and criminal charges under KRS 199.990.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to babysit a few kids at my home?

Care for children from one related family or fewer than four unrelated children part-time may be exempt, but routine paid care for multiple unrelated families generally requires state certification.

Can my city require its own daycare permit?

Cities cannot duplicate state child-care licensing standards, but they may enforce zoning, fire safety, parking, and occupancy codes for the residential property.

Sources

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