Louisiana Childcare Licensing
Louisiana Childcare License Exemption Threshold (2026)
Before you can legally care for children for pay in Louisiana, you must know the license-exemption threshold — the point at which a child care license, registration, or certificate becomes mandatory. A Louisiana license (as an "early learning center") is required only when a provider cares for seven or more children unrelated to the caregiver, unaccompanied by a parent or legal custodian, on a regular basis for at least 12 1/2 hours in a continuous 7-day week; care of six or fewer unrelated children in the provider's private home is "family child care" that is registered/certified rather than licensed (La. Admin. Code tit. 28, Pt. CLXI, §103, per R.S. 17:407.33).
Licensing Agency
Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE), Bulletin 137 - Louisiana's Early Learning Center Licensing Regulations (LAC Title 28, Part CLXI) →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamLouisiana License Exemption Threshold: The Specifics
A Louisiana license (as an "early learning center") is required only when a provider cares for seven or more children unrelated to the caregiver, unaccompanied by a parent or legal custodian, on a regular basis for at least 12 1/2 hours in a continuous 7-day week
as an "early learning center"
care of six or fewer unrelated children in the provider's private home is "family child care" that is registered/certified rather than licensed (La. Admin. Code tit. 28, Pt.
La. Admin. Code tit. 2
Louisiana family child care is defined as care for six or fewer unrelated children offered in the child care provider's private home (a registered/certified category, not a licensed one), and Bulletin 137 sets no separate larger family-home tier that adds capacity for an assistant or a distinct under-X-months sub-limit (LDOE in-home/family provider registration
a registered/certified category, not a licensed one
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Louisiana License Exemption Threshold: Frequently Asked Questions
How many children can I care for in Louisiana without a license?
A Louisiana license (as an "early learning center") is required only when a provider cares for seven or more children unrelated to the caregiver, unaccompanied by a parent or legal custodian, on a regular basis for at least 12 1/2 hours in a continuous 7-day week; care of six or fewer unrelated children in the provider's private home is "family child care" that is registered/certified rather than licensed (La. Admin. Code tit. 28, Pt. CLXI, §103, per R.S. 17:407.33).
What is the penalty for operating unlicensed in Louisiana?
Operating above the Louisiana exemption threshold without the required license, registration, or certificate is generally unlawful and can carry fines and cease-and-desist orders. Contact the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE), Bulletin 137 - Louisiana's Early Learning Center Licensing Regulations (LAC Title 28, Part CLXI) about the correct credential before you begin.
Does Louisiana offer a voluntary registration for small providers?
Some states let providers below the exemption threshold register voluntarily. Confirm whether Louisiana offers a voluntary registry with the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE), Bulletin 137 - Louisiana's Early Learning Center Licensing Regulations (LAC Title 28, Part CLXI).
Louisiana childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Louisiana administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE), Bulletin 137 - Louisiana's Early Learning Center Licensing Regulations (LAC Title 28, Part CLXI) before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.