Kentucky childcare licensing

Kentucky child care facility & license

Indoor/outdoor space, license term, and inspection cadence. This page isolates the configured Kentucky figures, related explanations, and primary source links from the full licensing guide.

Cited to 922 KAR Chapter 2Verified June 2026Summary only, not legal advice

Facility & license

Indoor space
35 sq ft/child
Outdoor space
60 sq ft/child
License term
1 year
Inspections
Unannounced; at least annual at renewal, semi-annual during the 2-yr probation (KRS 199.896).

Citation: 922 KAR Chapter 2

Kentucky facility & license FAQ

How much indoor and outdoor space does each child need?

Kentucky childcare centers must provide at least 35 square feet of usable indoor space per child and 60 square feet of outdoor play space per child. Inspectors verify these measurements during the pre-licensing site visit and at renewal.

How long is a Kentucky childcare license valid, and how is it renewed?

A center license renews every year. Inspections are unannounced and occur at least annually at renewal; during the first two-year probationary period, centers are inspected semi-annually. Maintaining clean records, current drills, and complete files year-round keeps renewal straightforward.

Disclaimer: These figures are a summary of Kentucky's childcare regulations as of publication; always confirm current requirements directly with the CHFS Division of Child Care before relying on them. This page is a summary for informational purposes only and is not legal or compliance advice. Confirm with Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Division of Child Care.