Vermont Childcare Daycare Inspection Prep (2026)

The Division conducts a licensing visit at least once every 365 days (annually) at each center-based program (Rule 2.3.9.4).

Rule 2.3.9.4

A full license is effective for 3 years from issuance (Rule 2.3.7.1.2).

Rule 2.3.7.1.2

Complaint-driven investigations occur whenever a complaint pertinent to the regulations is received (Rule 2.3.6.2).

Rule 2.3.6.2

Evacuation drills are required at least once a month (Rule 3.7.2.2).

Rule 3.7.2.2

Statutory authority: 33 V.S.A. § 3502 (a person shall not operate a child care facility without a license) and 33 V.S.A. § 105(b).

V.S.A. § 3502

When violations are found, the Division offers the licensee a program improvement plan / corrective action within a mutually agreeable timeframe (Rule 2.4.1).

Rule 2.4.1

For violations posing an imminent risk of harm, a pattern of repeated non-compliance, or failure to complete corrective action, the Division may take additional regulatory action (Rule 2.4.2): immediate license suspension by written order when children's health/safety/well-being is in serious or imminent danger (Rule 2.5.1), and denial or revocation of a license for good cause (Rule 2.5.2).

Rule 2.4.2

The licensee has appeal rights to the Human Services Board (Rule 2.6

Rule 2.4.1

the Board is defined at Rule 2.2.23 per 3 V.S.A. §§ 3090-3091).

V.S.A. §§ 3090-3091).

Vermont's center-based child care licensing regulations (Title 33, Chapter 35) do not publish a per-violation civil fine dollar schedule.

Title 33, Chapter 35

During a Vermont childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the Birth – 18 months (infants) age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:4 (max group size 8).

During a Vermont childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the 18 months – 30 months age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:4 (max group size 10).

During a Vermont childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the 24 months – 36 months age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:5 (max group size 10).

During a Vermont childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the 32 months – 42 months age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:6 (max group size 15).

During a Vermont childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the 36 months – Kindergarten (preschool) age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:10 (max group size 20).

During a Vermont childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the 1st grade and up (school age) age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:13 (max group size 26).

Vermont inspectors verify that the parent handbook includes a written Hours of Operation policy (Days and hours the facility is open; holiday closures; late pick-up policy.) per Code Vt. R. 13-171-004 (Licensing Regulations for Center Based Child Care and Preschool Programs, eff. April 17, 2022) Rule 4.7 (Communicating CBCCPP Policies and Procedures — written info to parents must include "Information about hours of operation and closings"); scope of regulated service at Rule 2.1.1 ("less than twenty-four (24) hours per day") and exemptions from licensure at Rule 2.1.2.

Code Vt. R. 13-171-004 (Licensing Regulations for Center Based Child Care and Preschool Programs, eff. April 17, 2022) Rule 4.7 (Communicating CBCCPP Policies and Procedures — written info to parents must include "Information about hours of operation and closings"); scope of regulated service at Rule 2.1.1 ("less than twenty-four (24) hours per day") and exemptions from licensure at Rule 2.1.2

Vermont inspectors verify that the parent handbook includes a written Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy policy (Positive guidance techniques used; prohibited discipline methods; progressive steps.) per Code Vt. R. 13-171-004 Rule 6.2.7 (Positive Guidance and Behavior Management) — written positive-guidance/behavior-management policy required by Rule 6.2.7.1, and inappropriate discipline/corporal punishment prohibited by Rule 6.2.7.4; "Corporal Punishment" defined at Rule 2.2.14; no abuse/neglect/mistreatment per Rule 2.1.5. (Rule 6.2 is the umbrella "Building Healthy Relationships.").

Code Vt. R. 13-171-004 Rule 6.2.7 (Positive Guidance and Behavior Management) — written positive-guidance/behavior-management policy required by Rule 6.2.7.1, and inappropriate discipline/corporal punishment prohibited by Rule 6.2.7.4; "Corporal Punishment" defined at Rule 2.2.14; no abuse/neglect/mistreatment per Rule 2.1.5. (Rule 6.2 is the umbrella "Building Healthy Relationships.")

Vermont inspectors verify that the parent handbook includes a written Illness and Exclusion Policy policy (Symptoms requiring exclusion; readmission criteria; communicable disease procedures.) per Code Vt. R. 13-171-004 Rule 5.3.3 (Exclusion of Children from Care) under Rule 5.3 (Managing Infectious Diseases); exclusions follow the Signs and Symptoms of Illness Chart (Appendix A) per Rule 5.3.3.1.

Code Vt. R. 13-171-004 Rule 5.3.3 (Exclusion of Children from Care) under Rule 5.3 (Managing Infectious Diseases); exclusions follow the Signs and Symptoms of Illness Chart (Appendix A) per Rule 5.3.3.1

Vermont inspectors verify that the parent handbook includes a written Medication Administration Policy policy (Procedures for administering prescription and non-prescription medications; authorization requirements.) per Code Vt. R. 13-171-004 Rule 5.6 (Administration of Medication).

Code Vt. R. 13-171-004 Rule 5.6 (Administration of Medication)

How often does Vermont inspect licensed childcare centers?

The Division conducts a licensing visit at least once every 365 days (annually) at each center-based program (Rule 2.3.9.4). A full license is effective for 3 years from issuance (Rule 2.3.7.1.2). Complaint-driven investigations occur whenever a complaint pertinent to the regulations is received (Rule 2.3.6.2). Evacuation drills are required at least once a month (Rule 3.7.2.2).

What do Vermont inspectors check during a childcare inspection?

Vermont childcare inspectors typically verify: (1) staff-to-child ratios are met for every age group, (2) staff CPR/First Aid certifications and background checks are current, (3) each child's file contains required enrollment, immunization, and emergency-contact records, (4) fire-drill logs are complete, (5) the parent handbook covers all required policy sections, and (6) the physical environment is free of hazards such as unsecured cleaning supplies and missing outlet covers.

What happens if a Vermont childcare center fails an inspection?

Enforcement is administrative, not a fixed monetary fine schedule. Statutory authority: 33 V.S.A. § 3502 (a person shall not operate a child care facility without a license) and 33 V.S.A. § 105(b). When violations are found, the Division offers the licensee a program improvement plan / corrective action within a mutually agreeable timeframe (Rule 2.4.1). For violations posing an imminent risk of harm, a pattern of repeated non-compliance, or failure to complete corrective action, the Division may take additional regulatory action (Rule 2.4.2): immediate license suspension by written order when children's health/safety/well-being is in serious or imminent danger (Rule 2.5.1), and denial or revocation of a license for good cause (Rule 2.5.2). The licensee has appeal rights to the Human Services Board (Rule 2.6; the Board is defined at Rule 2.2.23 per 3 V.S.A. §§ 3090-3091). Vermont's center-based child care licensing regulations (Title 33, Chapter 35) do not publish a per-violation civil fine dollar schedule.

How can I prepare my Vermont childcare center for an unannounced inspection?

Use the /inspection-check tool on TotReady to run a pre-inspection self-audit. Key areas: confirm all staff ratios are met and documented, verify CPR and background-check expiration dates, audit every child file for completeness, check that fire-drill logs are current, and walk the facility for physical hazards (unsecured chemicals, missing outlet covers, blocked exits).

Which handbook sections do Vermont inspectors verify?

Vermont inspectors check that the parent handbook includes these required sections: Hours of Operation, Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy, Illness and Exclusion Policy, Medication Administration Policy. Each must be present and comply with the cited Vermont administrative code.