Oregon Childcare Licensing
Oregon Childcare License Exemption Threshold (2026)
Before you can legally care for children for pay in Oregon, you must know the license-exemption threshold — the point at which a child care license, registration, or certificate becomes mandatory. In Oregon a person may care for no more than three children, in addition to any children who reside with the caregiver, without a child care certification or registration; care for children from only one family, by a relative within the fourth degree by blood or marriage, or on an occasional basis is also excluded from the definition of regulated 'child care' (ORS 329A.250(4)(b)(C),(E),(F),(H); see also the license-exempt list in OAR 414-075-0250).
Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamOregon License Exemption Threshold: The Specifics
In Oregon a person may care for no more than three children, in addition to any children who reside with the caregiver, without a child care certification or registration
ORS 329A.250(4)(b)(C),(E),(F),(H)
care for children from only one family, by a relative within the fourth degree by blood or marriage, or on an occasional basis is also excluded from the definition of regulated 'child care' (ORS 329A.250(4)(b)(C),(E),(F),(H)
H
see also the license-exempt list in OAR 414-075-0250).
ORS 329A.250(4)(b)(C),(E),(F),(H)
A Registered Family Child Care home may care for a maximum of 10 children total (this count includes the provider's own or foster children age 9 years or younger), of whom no more than 6 may be preschool age or younger and only 2 of those may be under 24 months of age
this count includes the provider's own or foster children age 9 years or younger
no child younger than 6 weeks of age, other than the provider's own child, may be in care (OAR 414-210-0400(1)-(2),(4)).
OAR 414-210-0400(1)-(2),(4)
Oregon's Registered Family Child Care rules do not authorize a higher capacity for adding an assistant.
OAR 414-210-0400(1)-(2),(4)
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Oregon License Exemption Threshold: Frequently Asked Questions
How many children can I care for in Oregon without a license?
In Oregon a person may care for no more than three children, in addition to any children who reside with the caregiver, without a child care certification or registration; care for children from only one family, by a relative within the fourth degree by blood or marriage, or on an occasional basis is also excluded from the definition of regulated 'child care' (ORS 329A.250(4)(b)(C),(E),(F),(H); see also the license-exempt list in OAR 414-075-0250).
What is the penalty for operating unlicensed in Oregon?
Operating above the Oregon exemption threshold without the required license, registration, or certificate is generally unlawful and can carry fines and cease-and-desist orders. Contact the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC), Child Care Licensing Division (CCLD) — formerly the Office of Child Care / Early Learning Division about the correct credential before you begin.
Does Oregon offer a voluntary registration for small providers?
Some states let providers below the exemption threshold register voluntarily. Confirm whether Oregon offers a voluntary registry with the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC), Child Care Licensing Division (CCLD) — formerly the Office of Child Care / Early Learning Division.
Oregon childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Oregon administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC), Child Care Licensing Division (CCLD) — formerly the Office of Child Care / Early Learning Division before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.