How to start a home daycare in Louisiana.
Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) oversees home daycares in Louisiana. These are the kinds it allows and the steps, each with the state's own page.
Steps checked on the state's own pages, November 4, 2026.
The kinds of home daycare Louisiana allows
Family child care provider
Up to 6 children
You are the only caregiver, in a private home.
Source: RS 17:407.62 Definitions
Starting a home daycare in Louisiana, step by step
Apply in EdLink
Follow the Family Child Care Application Instructions and apply online in EdLink.
Source: Family Child Care (FCC) ProvidersTake pre-service orientation
Complete pre-service orientation and keep its certificate.
Source: Home-based Child Care CentersGet CPR and pediatric first aid
Get certificates in CPR and pediatric first aid.
Source: Home-based Child Care CentersTake medication training
Take medication administration training from an Early Childhood Health and Safety Trainer.
Source: Home-based Child Care CentersGet background checks
You, each adult 18 or older in your home and any staff need a child care background check.
Source: Home-based Child Care CentersWrite an emergency plan
Fill out an emergency plan for your home.
Source: Home-based Child Care CentersPass a State Fire Marshal inspection
The Office of State Fire Marshal inspects your home.
Source: Home-based Child Care CentersPass the LDOE home inspection
LDOE inspects your home as the second step of becoming a provider.
Source: Home-based Child Care Centers
At a glance
- Who oversees home daycares
- Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE). Takes registrations from home-based child care providers.Source: Home-based Child Care Centers
- Registration
- Required if you get state or federal funds for the careSource: RS 17:407.63 Requirement for registration; exemptions
- Child Care Assistance Program
- You may apply after your registration is completeSource: Home-based Child Care Centers
- People in your home
- Everyone who lives there is listed on your applicationSource: Family Child Care (FCC) License Application User Guide
- Rules
- CCDF Bulletin 139Source: Home-based Child Care Centers
Good to know
- A home with up to 6 children registers with LDOE as a family child care provider.Source: Home-based Child Care Centers
- Caring for 7 or more unrelated children, even at home, makes you a child day care center. That needs a license.Source: RS 17:407.33 Definitions
- A home that gets no state or federal funds for the care does not have to register.Source: RS 17:407.63 Requirement for registration; exemptions
Run a program in Louisiana? Bloomily handles enrollment, billing, check-in and family messages. See how it works
Plan your program
- How to start a daycare in Louisiana
Opening a child care center: the steps and the agency.
- Louisiana licensing guide
Ratios, trainings and the checklist the state asks for.
- Child care grants in Louisiana
Grants the state runs for providers.
- Daycare startup costs in Louisiana
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 home daycare in Louisiana?
The first step: Apply in EdLink. All 8 steps are on this page, each with the state's own link.
Who oversees home daycares in Louisiana?
Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE). Takes registrations from home-based child care providers.
How many children can a home daycare in Louisiana care for?
Family child care provider: Up to 6 children.
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.
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