How to start a daycare in Ohio.

Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) licenses child care centers in Ohio. These are the steps, each with the state's own page.

Steps checked on the state's own pages, November 3, 2026.

Opening a child care center in Ohio, step by step

Create your OPR profile
Make a profile in the Ohio Professional Registry, called the OPR.
Source: Child Care Center Licensing-Getting Started (DCY 01316)
Take the center pre-licensing training
Take the center pre-licensing training in the OPR. Take it within five years before you apply.
Source: Rule 5180:2-12-02 | Application and amendments for a child care center license.
Apply in OCLQS
Apply for your license online in the Ohio Child Licensing and Quality System, called OCLQS.
Source: Child Care Center Licensing-Getting Started (DCY 01316)
Request your background check
Request your background check in the OPR. You also give fingerprints for Ohio BCI and the FBI.
Source: Background Checks
Get a certificate of occupancy
Get a certificate of occupancy for your building. No license is issued without it.
Source: Rule 5180:2-12-02 | Application and amendments for a child care center license.
Pass a fire inspection
Send proof that your center passed its fire inspection.
Source: Child Care Center Licensing-Getting Started (DCY 01316)
Fill out your plan of operation
Complete form DCY 01250, the Plan of Operation for Child Care.
Source: Child Care Center Licensing-Getting Started (DCY 01316)
Pass the pre-licensing inspection
A DCY licensing specialist inspects your center before it is licensed.
Source: Child Care Center Licensing-Getting Started (DCY 01316)

Who licenses centers: Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY). Licenses child care centers, which may care for seven or more children at one time.Source: Child Care Center Licensing-Getting Started (DCY 01316)
Child care center: 7 or more children at one time, in a place that is not the owner's homeSource: Section 5104.01 | Child care definitions.
Getting ready: Within 12 months of applying, or you apply againSource: Child Care Center Licensing-Getting Started (DCY 01316)
First license: Provisional, then a continuous licenseSource: Child Care Center Licensing-Getting Started (DCY 01316)
First year: At least two inspectionsSource: Child Care Center Licensing-Getting Started (DCY 01316)
Rules for centers: Ohio Administrative Code, Chapter 5180:2-12Source: Child Care Center Licensing-Getting Started (DCY 01316)

No one may run a child care center or a Type A home without a license.Source: Section 5104.02 | License required.
A center also needs a food service license, an exemption or a food registration.Source: Rule 5180:2-12-02 | Application and amendments for a child care center license.
Programs paid with public child care funds need a Step Up To Quality rating, unless exempt.Source: Become a Provider

Run a program in Ohio? Bloomily handles enrollment, billing, check-in and family messages. See how it works

How to start a home daycare in Ohio
The kinds of home daycare the state allows, and the steps.
Ohio licensing guide
Ratios, trainings and the checklist the state asks for.
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.

How do I start a daycare in Ohio?

The first step: Create your OPR profile. All 8 steps are on this page, each with the state's own link.

Who licenses child care centers in Ohio?

Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY). Licenses child care centers, which may care for seven or more children at one time.

Steps checked on the state's own pages, November 3, 2026.

This page is a summary of the state's own pages. It is not legal advice, and rules change.

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