Family Day Care and Group Family Day Care (Home-based) — Information for Operators

Home-based programs provide care to children on a regular basis for more than three hours per day per child. These programs are regulated by the State's Office of Children and Family Services.

Family Day Care

Family day care allows for up to six children, ages 6 weeks through 12 years, plus two additional school-age children. There must always be one caregiver for every two children who are younger than 2 years old.

You can learn how to get or renew a permit to operate a standard family day care program.

Group Family Day Care

Group family day care programs may have up to 12 children, ages 6 weeks to 12 years old, plus four additional school-age children. These programs must have a primary on-site caregiver and at least one assistant. There must be one caregiver for every two children who are younger than 2 years old.

You can learn how to get or renew a permit to operate a group family day care program.

Additional Resources

More Information