How to start a daycare in Oregon.
Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) licenses child care centers in Oregon. 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 Oregon, step by step
Find a space zoned for child care
Before you get a building, check with your city or county that it is zoned for child care.
Source: Certified Child Care CenterSend a floor plan
Send the Child Care Licensing Division a floor plan or drawing of your building.
Source: Certified Child Care CenterHave a pre-certification visit
Once you meet zoning, occupancy and building codes, set up a pre-certification visit with the division.
Source: Certified Child Care CenterGet fire and sanitation inspections
Ask for your fire safety and sanitation inspections. Fix anything they find before your annual license.
Source: Certified Child Care CenterTest your water for lead
Test the faucets used for drinking, cooking or baby formula for lead.
Source: Certified Child Care CenterApply at least 45 days ahead
Send your signed application, floor plan and lead test results at least 45 days before you open.
Source: Certified Child Care CenterEnroll in the Central Background Registry
Apply to the Central Background Registry for yourself and every staff member.
Source: Certified Child Care CenterGet your temporary license
If your center meets most of the rules, you get a temporary license. Then you may care for children.
Source: Certified Child Care Center
At a glance
- Who licenses centers
- Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC). Certifies child care centers. A center may not run without its certification.Source: ORS Chapter 329A: Child Care
- Temporary license
- Up to 180 daysSource: Certified Child Care Center
- Renewal
- Every yearSource: Certified Child Care Center
- Visits
- At least one unannounced visit each yearSource: Certified Child Care Center
- Fire inspection
- Every 24 monthsSource: Certified Child Care Center
- Rules for centers
- Oregon Administrative Rules 414-305, for children 6 weeks through age 12Source: Certified Child Care Center
Good to know
- A center that cares only for school-age children is a Certified School-age Center, with its own rules.Source: Certified Child Care Center
Run a program in Oregon? Bloomily handles enrollment, billing, check-in and family messages. See how it works
Plan your program
- How to start a home daycare in Oregon
The kinds of home daycare the state allows, and the steps.
- Oregon licensing guide
Ratios, trainings and the checklist the state asks for.
- Child care grants in Oregon
Grants the state runs for providers.
- Daycare startup costs in Oregon
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 Oregon?
The first step: Find a space zoned for child care. All 8 steps are on this page, each with the state's own link.
Who licenses child care centers in Oregon?
Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC). Certifies child care centers. A center may not run without its certification.
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 Oregon?
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