Kentucky child care license-exempt care
When home-based care is exempt from licensing and how exempt providers register for subsidy. 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
When Kentucky home-based care is license-exempt
Kentucky requires state regulation (licensure or certification) when a provider cares for more than 3 children unrelated to the provider. Two regulated home-based pathways let smaller providers participate in the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP): registered child care providers and certified family child care homes. Confirm your status with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Division of Child Care, before operating.
| Provider type | Max unrelated children | Registration |
|---|---|---|
| Registered child care provider (922 KAR 2:180) | 3 | Registration with CCAP, including background checks, home safety requirements, and 6 hours of training; a registered provider may serve up to 3 children receiving CCAP. |
| Certified family child care home | 6 | Certification by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, with training, inspection, and background check requirements; certified homes may care for up to 6 unrelated children. |
- Registered child care provider (922 KAR 2:180)Registration with CCAP, including background checks, home safety requirements, and 6 hours of training; a registered provider may serve up to 3 children receiving CCAP.Max 3
- Certified family child care homeCertification by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, with training, inspection, and background check requirements; certified homes may care for up to 6 unrelated children.Max 6
CCAP pays registered providers (up to 3 children receiving CCAP) and certified family child care homes (up to 6 unrelated children) in addition to licensed programs. Registration and certification are the state's vetting steps for home-based providers; requirements are set in 922 KAR Chapter 2.
Citation: 922 KAR Chapter 2
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.