Parents<<Licensing Regulations

The following information is a summary of provider : child ratios based on type of child care program. If you have additional licensing questions, or are seeking more details, contact your local VACCRRA member agency or visit the state website for a detailed description on child care regulations.

Concerns? Call the Child Care Consumer Line at 1-800-540-7942.

Family Care (Registered Home Care)

The caregiver (the registrant) is allowed to have up to 6 children full time, only 2 of the 6 children can be under the age of 2 years. She/he may also have 4 additional school-age children, before and after school.

Family Care (Licensed Child Care Homes)

An early childhood program can be licensed for up to 12 children in the residence of the licensee where the licensee is one of the primary caregivers and two staff members are present when the number of children exceeds 6. Of the 12 children, no more than 2 children per stafff person may be under the age of 24 months.

Centers (School Age and Early Childhood Program)

This includes part-day and full-day programs, after-school programs, and preschools. Most center-based programs are generally licensed to care for a larger number of children. This means the center must meet Vermont’s regulations for quality and safety for licensed child care.

Children’s Ages       Maximum Children in Group                 Staff:Child

6 weeks – 23 months                               8                                        1:4
24 months – 35 months                           10                                       1:5
3 years – Kindergarten                           20                                       1:10
1st grade – 15 years                           No Maximum                        1:13

Legally Exempt Providers