Choosing the right caregiver is one of the most important decisions that a family can make. Get as much information as possible to help you make the best choice. Talk to friends, family members and other parents whose children are in child care and get their opinions.
Tell us if you need assistance because you do not speak English or have a disability. Free language assistance and other aids and services are available upon request. For free interpreter services, call 866-291-8931 toll-free.
Si no habla inglés o tiene una discapacidad, usted puede solicitar asistencia lingüística y otros servicios gratuitamente. Para recibir servicios de interpretación gratuitos, llame al 1-866-291-8931.
Finding Child Care
The Public Child Care Search lists only certified or licensed providers. You can also use the search to view inspection reports, hours of operation and Kentucky All STARS levels.
Inspection Process
Beginning in late September 2026, the Division of Regulated Child Care (DRCC) will begin transitioning from its current inspection program to SansWrite, a system that will support the child care provider inspection and correction process.
Type I, Type II, and Certified Family Child Care Homes are all inspected on an annual basis. As part of the renewal process, Type I and Type II receive a full inspection survey.
Certified providers receive a certificate that is valid for two years. Kentucky's Division of Regulated Child Care (DRCC) performs a full inspection every year. One year is the renewal year, similar to Licensed Type I and Type II providers. The second year includes an annual visit, because it is not technically a renewal process.
Other inspections, such as investigations, changes of service, follow-ups, reported complaints, etc. happen throughout the year as the need arises.
Registered Relative Providers are not inspected by DRCC.
Choosing Quality Child Care
Some parents may not be aware of the differences between regulated and non-regulated child care. Regulation by DRCC requires every person working with children to follow the minimum health and safety regulations to ensure the well-being of the children in their care.
Requirements include background checks and ongoing professional development to enhance the consistent, developmentally appropriate practice for children in their programs.
Unregulated vs. Regulated Child Care
Child Care Provider Types
- Licensed Provider Type I: A licensed Type I child care facility provides child care services for four or more children in a non-residential setting or 13 or more children in a residential neighborhood.
- Licensed Provider Type II: 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 home for no more than six unrelated children and no more than four related children at any time, for a maximum of 10 children.
- Registered Relative Provider: A family member who provides care for children in his or her own home or the child's home. A registered relative provider may not care for more than six related children or more than eight children total, including the provider's own children.
Background Check Requirements for Child Care Staff
Federal law requires all states to ensure all staff in regulated child care programs pass state and federal criminal background checks. Required background checks play an essential role in ensuring your child is safe in a child care program.
Child care programs must submit requests for background checks before a staff member is hired and then at least once every five years afterward. The background check process helps ensure that staff members do not have a history of convictions that could put your child’s health and safety at risk.
For information about offenses that would prevent a person from being employed by a child care provider, please see Section 6 of 922 KAR 2:280.
What to Look for in a Child Care Center
When choosing a child care provider for your family, visit and compare several facilities or providers. Use this checklist of key recommendations:
- Observe the interaction between staff or provider and children.
- Ask about activities that are available for children.
- Ask questions and make sure you are satisfied with the answers.
- Check for a current license or certificate and verify that current deficiencies are posted.
- Keep in mind:
- Your child's age.
- Your child's personality.
- The facility or provider's location in relation to your home and workplace.
- Hours of operation and any fees charged.
- After your child is enrolled, drop in unannounced at various times of the day. If you see anything that makes you uneasy, talk to the caregiver or director about your concerns. Continue visiting regularly to monitor the program.
- Watch for recurring bumps or bruises or changes in your child's behavior. Talk to other parents when you pick up your child and compare experiences. Trust your instincts and look for another child care facility or provider, if necessary.
Use your Five Senses:
Sight: Do you see providers engaged with children? Do you see children actively playing with each other and the provider? Do you see any health and safety concerns? Do you see that there are enough materials and toys for the children to play with?
Sound: Do you hear teachers speaking in warm, positive tones to the children? Do you hear providers using respectful language?
Taste: How does the food that is served to the children look and taste?
Touch: Do you see physical affection between teachers and children, such as hugging, pats on the head, children sitting on provider’s laps or any other types of positive touch?
Smell: Is there a pleasant smell in the child care setting? Do you smell perfume, smoke or any other odor that might be unpleasant for your child?
Types of Curricula
One way for parents to decide on a child care program would be to find out more about the program's approach to teaching, referred to as a curriculum. Learn ore about the different approaches to teaching by reviewing the Types of Curricula Guide .