Vermont Childcare Licensing
Vermont Childcare License Exemption Threshold (2026)
Before you can legally care for children for pay in Vermont, you must know the license-exemption threshold — the point at which a child care license, registration, or certificate becomes mandatory. A person providing care for children of not more than two families other than that of the person providing the care is exempt from Vermont child care licensing and registration requirements (33 V.S.A. § 3502(a) and (b)(1)).
Licensing Agency
Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF), Child Development Division (CDD) — Child Care Licensing Unit →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamVermont License Exemption Threshold: The Specifics
A person providing care for children of not more than two families other than that of the person providing the care is exempt from Vermont child care licensing and registration requirements (33 V.S.A. § 3502(a) and (b)(1)).
33 V.S.A. § 3502(a) and (b)(1)
A Registered Family Child Care Home may care for up to 10 children during Year-Round Care (12 during the Summer Vacation option), with no more than 6 children under 24 months
12 during the Summer Vacation option
a Licensed Family Child Care Home may care for up to 12 children with three staff (max 6 under 24 months), and with a single provider may care for up to 6 children, or up to 8 if all are aged 3-12 years (Vermont Family Child Care Home Licensing Regulations § 6.2.1.2 and § 6.2.2 capacity charts).
Vermont Family Child Care Home Licensing Regulations § 6.2.1.2 and § 6.2.2 capacity charts
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Vermont License Exemption Threshold: Frequently Asked Questions
How many children can I care for in Vermont without a license?
A person providing care for children of not more than two families other than that of the person providing the care is exempt from Vermont child care licensing and registration requirements (33 V.S.A. § 3502(a) and (b)(1)).
What is the penalty for operating unlicensed in Vermont?
Operating above the Vermont exemption threshold without the required license, registration, or certificate is generally unlawful and can carry fines and cease-and-desist orders. Contact the Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF), Child Development Division (CDD) — Child Care Licensing Unit about the correct credential before you begin.
Does Vermont offer a voluntary registration for small providers?
Some states let providers below the exemption threshold register voluntarily. Confirm whether Vermont offers a voluntary registry with the Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF), Child Development Division (CDD) — Child Care Licensing Unit.
Vermont childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Vermont administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF), Child Development Division (CDD) — Child Care Licensing Unit before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.