Louisiana Statewide Rule
Louisiana Family Child Care Home Statewide Licensing
Key Facts
- Statute
- R.S. 17:407.31 et seq.
- Regulator
- Louisiana Department of Education
- Family home capacity
- 4 to 6 children
- Licensed center threshold
- 7+ children
- Background checks
- Required for all adults
Summary
La. R.S. 17:407.31 et seq. and 17:407.61 et seq. require statewide licensing of early learning centers and certification of family child care homes through the Louisiana Department of Education. Local zoning cannot prohibit licensed home child care.
§407.63. Requirement for registration; exemptions A. All family child care providers and in-home providers who either directly or indirectly receive state or federal funds related to the care provided shall be registered. B. Family child care providers and in-home providers who do not directly or indirectly receive state or federal funds related to the care provided and individuals who provide care for only related family members, shall not be required to be registered. C. All family child care providers and in-home providers shall be registered prior to directly or indirectly receiving any state or federal funds related to the care provided.
Full Breakdown
Under the Early Childhood Education Act, any home regularly caring for seven or more unrelated children must obtain a Type III early learning center license, while homes caring for four to six children may register as a family child care home. The Louisiana Department of Education conducts background checks, fire and health inspections, and enforces minimum standards covering staff-child ratios, supervision, immunizations, and safe sleep. Operators must complete required training hours annually. Louisiana courts treat licensed home child care as a residential use; municipal zoning may impose neutral parking, signage, and noise rules but cannot categorically exclude state-licensed family child care from residential districts.
Violations & Penalties
Operating without a license, exceeding capacity, failing background checks, or violating minimum standards triggers LDOE enforcement, civil fines, license revocation, and potential criminal charges under R.S. 17:407.46.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many children can I care for without a Louisiana license?
Can a Louisiana city ban home daycare in residential zones?
Sources
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