How to start a daycare in Connecticut.
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC) licenses child care centers in Connecticut. These are the steps, each with the state's own page.
Steps checked on the state's own pages, November 4, 2026.
Opening a child care center in Connecticut, step by step
Check local codes first
Get a fire marshal certificate. Get proof you meet building, zoning and local health rules.
Source: Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, Sections 19a-79-1 to 19a-79-13: Child Day Care Centers & Group Day Care HomesPlan your size and hours
Your application lists your planned capacity, the ages you serve, and your days and hours.
Source: Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, Sections 19a-79-1 to 19a-79-13: Child Day Care Centers & Group Day Care HomesStart staff background checks
Staff who care for children get state and national criminal record checks.
Source: Chapter 368a - Department of Public Health (Sections 19a-77, 19a-79, 19a-80 and 19a-87b)Fill out the application
Use the state's forms. Include a notarized affidavit on a form from the Office.
Source: Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, Sections 19a-79-1 to 19a-79-13: Child Day Care Centers & Group Day Care HomesApply 60 days before opening
Send a complete application at least 60 days before the day you plan to open.
Source: Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, Sections 19a-79-1 to 19a-79-13: Child Day Care Centers & Group Day Care HomesPass the inspection
OEC inspects and checks your program. It issues the license when the rules are met.
Source: Chapter 368a - Department of Public Health (Sections 19a-77, 19a-79, 19a-80 and 19a-87b)Post your license
Hang your license where the public can see it.
Source: Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, Sections 19a-79-1 to 19a-79-13: Child Day Care Centers & Group Day Care Homes
At a glance
- Who licenses centers
- Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC). Licenses child care centers, group child care homes, family child care homes and youth camps.Source: Connecticut Office of Early Childhood
- Child care center
- More than 12 children, outside their own homes, on a regular basisSource: Chapter 368a - Department of Public Health (Sections 19a-77, 19a-79, 19a-80 and 19a-87b)
- License length
- Four years for a new programSource: Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, Sections 19a-79-1 to 19a-79-13: Child Day Care Centers & Group Day Care Homes
- State visits
- At least one unannounced visit each yearSource: Chapter 368a - Department of Public Health (Sections 19a-77, 19a-79, 19a-80 and 19a-87b)
- Local health visits
- At least once every two yearsSource: Chapter 368a - Department of Public Health (Sections 19a-77, 19a-79, 19a-80 and 19a-87b)
- Indoor space
- 35 square feet per child, for programs licensed after 1986Source: Chapter 368a - Department of Public Health (Sections 19a-77, 19a-79, 19a-80 and 19a-87b)
Good to know
- A group child care home needs the same license as a child care center.Source: Chapter 368a - Department of Public Health (Sections 19a-77, 19a-79, 19a-80 and 19a-87b)
- A change of operator, owner or location means a new license application.Source: Chapter 368a - Department of Public Health (Sections 19a-77, 19a-79, 19a-80 and 19a-87b)
Run a program in Connecticut? Bloomily handles enrollment, billing, check-in and family messages. See how it works
Plan your program
- How to start a home daycare in Connecticut
The kinds of home daycare the state allows, and the steps.
- Connecticut licensing guide
Ratios, trainings and the checklist the state asks for.
- Child care grants in Connecticut
Grants the state runs for providers.
- Daycare startup costs in Connecticut
Revenue, staff pay and rent from your own numbers.
- Daycare business plan
How to write a plan for funding and licensing.
- Tuition calculator
Typical rates by state and age group.
- Ratio calculator
Staff needed for each age group, by state.
Questions, answered
How do I start a daycare in Connecticut?
The first step: Check local codes first. All 7 steps are on this page, each with the state's own link.
Who licenses child care centers in Connecticut?
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC). Licenses child care centers, group child care homes, family child care homes and youth camps.
About this page
Steps checked on the state's own pages, November 4, 2026.
This page is a summary of the state's own pages. It is not legal advice, and rules change.
Questions about childcare in Connecticut?
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