Child Care Provider Information

Child Care Provider Information

​​​​​​​What It Is

The Department for Community Based Services supports individuals building their child care business. These resources help providers understand the policies needed to operate a quality program.

Types of Child Care

  • Licensed Provider Type I and Type II - A licensed type I child care facility is a facility that regularly provides child care services for four or more children in a non-residential setting or 13 or more children in a residential setting. A licensed type II child care facility is the primary physical location where child care is regularly provided for at least seven, but no more than 12, children including no more than 12 children related to the licensee.
  • Certified Family Child Care - Care provided in a caregiver's own home for no more than six unrelated and no more than four related children at any time (total of 10 children).
  • Registered Relative Provider  - A family member who cares for children in his or her own home or the child's home. A registered relative provider may not care for more than six children related to the caregiver or more than eight children inclusive of their own children.​​
  • Nonregulated Child Care - The Division of Regulated Child Care does not regulate providers who care for three or fewer children not related to them. Providers who care for more than three children not related them must be certified or licensed unless they fall into the exempt category. All exempt child care settings can be found 922 KAR 2:090 Child-care licensure in Section 3.

Highlights of child care provider requirements in Kentucky.

Are you interested in opening a child care center?

Licensed Type I Providers

Child Care Aware staff meets with new providers on a regular basis. Contact the Kentucky partnership for early childhood services to find a health and safety coach in your area and inquire about scheduled Getting Started meetings for new child care providers.

Certified Family Child Care/Type II

The Family Child Care Network (FCCN)​ has specialists across the state to assist in all aspects of opening and maintaining homes for regulated child care. The FCCN provides technical assistance and training. Email FCCN or call toll free (800) 621-5908 to reach the correct specialist in your area.

Child Care Provider Requirements

Child care center operators must follow regulations that outline minimum health and safety standards. A complete list of child care regulations can be found in 922 KAR Chapter 2.

The Division of Child Care and partners have created standards of practice to help providers understand the rules and standards for each provider type.

In 922 KAR 2:120. Child-care center health and safety standards. ​Outdoor activity is restricted based upon temperature and weather conditions. This Child Care Weather Watch​ guide can assist providers in understanding if the weather is unsafe.​
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Kentucky All STARS

Kentucky All STARS is the expanded five-star quality rating and improvement system for type I, type II and certified family child care homes. Kentucky All STARS aims to improve, support and recognize constant quality improvement efforts of early learning programs. Providers are rated on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. One-star providers meet state licensing requirements.

Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)

CCAP helps families find, access and pay for child care to help parents work, go to school and job training programs and/or participate in the Kentucky Works program. Childcare subsidies also are available for KTAP and child protective cases.

The Division of Child Care provides support to child care professionals while the Division of Family Support helps parents and guardians apply for assistance and determines eligibility.

To receive CCAP funds, child care providers must be registered, certified or licensed by the state.

Providers can submit billing or receive paper daily attendance forms by using the KICCS Provider Portal Launch Site.


Contact Information