Vermont Child Care Centers and Homes License: Requirements, Cost & How to Apply (2026)

Vermont Department for Children and Families, Child Development Division

Vermont Department for Children and Families, Child Development Division

Child Development Division

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Open the official agency page

https://outside.vermont.gov/dept/DCF/Shared%20Documents/CDD/Licensing/CC-Family-Regs.pdf

Child Care Licensing Regulations

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Registered and licensed family child care providers must be at least 18.

Registered and licensed family child care providers must be at least 18.

he/she is at least eighteen (18) years of age

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Family providers must have a high school diploma or GED. Registered providers must complete one of the listed credentials/course/college-credit routes before licensure or within 12 months. Licensed providers must meet the higher qualification routes in rule 7.3.2.

Family providers must have a high school diploma or GED. Registered providers must complete one of the listed credentials/course/college-credit routes before licensure or within 12 months. Licensed providers must meet the higher qualification routes in rule 7.3.2.

is a high school graduate or has completed a GED, and meets or exceeds one (1) of the following qualifications prior to licensure or within twelve (12) months of initial licensure:

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

For a licensed family provider, the CDA, Community College of Vermont Child Care Certificate, and 12-credit qualification routes each require 12 months working with groups of children in grade three or younger; other listed qualification routes differ.

For a licensed family provider, the CDA, Community College of Vermont Child Care Certificate, and 12-credit qualification routes each require 12 months working with groups of children in grade three or younger; other listed qualification routes differ.

At least a current CDA (Child Development Associate Credential) from the National Council for Professional Recognition and twelve (12) months experience working with groups of children grade three (3) or younger;

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Family child care providers must carry liability insurance of a reasonable amount and supply evidence to the Division.

Family child care providers must carry liability insurance of a reasonable amount and supply evidence to the Division.

The FCCP shall carry liability insurance of a reasonable amount for its own protection and for the protection of children attending the FCCH. Evidence of insurance coverage shall be provided to the Division.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

A complete application and all necessary documentation and verification must be submitted before the expiration date of the current license.

A complete application and all necessary documentation and verification must be submitted prior to the expiration date of the current license. Applies to: Family child care homes

A complete application and all necessary documentation and verification must be submitted prior to the expiration date of the current license.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Child care facilities require licensing and family child care homes require registration unless exempt. Exemptions include care for children of no more than two families other than the provider's own.

Child care facilities require licensing and family child care homes require registration unless exempt. Exemptions include care for children of no more than two families other than the provider's own.

Unless exempted under subsection (b) of this section, a person shall not operate a child care facility without a license or operate a family child care home without registration from the Department. a person providing care for children of not more than two families other than that of the person providing the care;

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Family child care full licenses last three years unless modified to provisional, revoked, surrendered, or suspended.

Family child care full licenses last three years unless modified to provisional, revoked, surrendered, or suspended.

A full license is effective for three (3) years from the date of issuance, unless it is: Modified to a provisional license; Revoked; Surrendered prior to the expiration date; or Suspended.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

The Division recommends family-home renewal applications at least 45 calendar days before expiration; this is a recommendation, while the completed application is due before expiration.

The Division recommends family-home renewal applications at least 45 calendar days before expiration; this is a recommendation, while the completed application is due before expiration.

It is recommended that the FCCP submit an application for license renewal to the Division at least forty-five (45) calendar days before expiration of the FCCH current license

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Family-home staff other than substitutes need 15 clock hours of annual professional development. CPR and first aid do not count; specified Vermont teaching-license holders may use that license as verification.

Family-home staff other than substitutes need 15 clock hours of annual professional development. CPR and first aid do not count; specified Vermont teaching-license holders may use that license as verification.

All staff, with the exception of substitutes, shall complete fifteen (15) clock hours of annual professional development activities Training in CPR and First Aid shall not count towards annual professional development requirements

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Center staff need 15 clock hours of annual professional development. Substitutes filling a position for fewer than 30 consecutive days within a 365-day period are exempt.

Center staff need 15 clock hours of annual professional development. Substitutes filling a position for fewer than 30 consecutive days within a 365-day period are exempt.

All staff shall complete fifteen (15) clock hours of annual professional development activities Substitutes filling a staff position for less than thirty (30) consecutive days within a 365 day period shall be exempt.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026