Kentucky Childcare Licensing
Kentucky Childcare License Exemption Threshold (2026)
Before you can legally care for children for pay in Kentucky, you must know the license-exemption threshold — the point at which a child care license, registration, or certificate becomes mandatory. In Kentucky, a family child-care provider must apply for certification of the provider's home when caring for four (4) to six (6) children unrelated to the provider; a provider caring for three (3) or fewer unrelated children may apply for certification at the provider's discretion (i.e., is not required to be certified). A facility serving four (4) or more unrelated children in a nonresidential setting is a 'child-care center' requiring licensure (KRS 199.8982(1)(a); KRS 199.894(3),(5)).
Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamKentucky License Exemption Threshold: The Specifics
In Kentucky, a family child-care provider must apply for certification of the provider's home when caring for four (4) to six (6) children unrelated to the provider
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a provider caring for three (3) or fewer unrelated children may apply for certification at the provider's discretion (i.e., is not required to be certified).
i.e., is not required to be certified
A facility serving four (4) or more unrelated children in a nonresidential setting is a 'child-care center' requiring licensure (KRS 199.8982(1)(a)
a
A Kentucky certified family child-care home may care for no more than six (6) unrelated children at any one time, plus up to four (4) related children for a maximum capacity of ten (10)
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an assistant is required if the provider cares for more than four (4) infants or more than six (6) children under age six (922 KAR 2:100 Section 10(3),(4)).
922 KAR 2:100 Section 10(3),(4)
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Kentucky License Exemption Threshold: Frequently Asked Questions
How many children can I care for in Kentucky without a license?
In Kentucky, a family child-care provider must apply for certification of the provider's home when caring for four (4) to six (6) children unrelated to the provider; a provider caring for three (3) or fewer unrelated children may apply for certification at the provider's discretion (i.e., is not required to be certified). A facility serving four (4) or more unrelated children in a nonresidential setting is a 'child-care center' requiring licensure (KRS 199.8982(1)(a); KRS 199.894(3),(5)).
What is the penalty for operating unlicensed in Kentucky?
Operating above the Kentucky exemption threshold without the required license, registration, or certificate is generally unlawful and can carry fines and cease-and-desist orders. Contact the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Office of Inspector General — Division of Regulated Child Care (DRCC), which licenses and investigates complaints against licensed child-care centers and certified family child-care homes; child-care standards developed in coordination with the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) Division of Child Care about the correct credential before you begin.
Does Kentucky offer a voluntary registration for small providers?
Some states let providers below the exemption threshold register voluntarily. Confirm whether Kentucky offers a voluntary registry with the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Office of Inspector General — Division of Regulated Child Care (DRCC), which licenses and investigates complaints against licensed child-care centers and certified family child-care homes; child-care standards developed in coordination with the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) Division of Child Care.
Kentucky childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Kentucky administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Office of Inspector General — Division of Regulated Child Care (DRCC), which licenses and investigates complaints against licensed child-care centers and certified family child-care homes; child-care standards developed in coordination with the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) Division of Child Care before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.