Kentucky child care safety & emergency drills
Required drills, mandatory reporting, and child-health rules. 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
Required emergency drills
- Fire922 KAR 2:120 §3(12)Monthly
- Tornado / Severe weather922 KAR 2:120 §3(13)Quarterly
- Earthquake922 KAR 2:120 §3(13)Quarterly
- Lockdown / Intruder922 KAR 2:120 §3(13)Quarterly
- Shelter-in-place922 KAR 2:120 §3(13)Quarterly
Suspected abuse or neglect must be reported: Within 24 hours of discovery (922 KAR 2:090 §13(1)); reporters must report immediately per KRS 620.030.
- Safe-sleep practices required for infants
- Medication-administration training required
- Children follow the CDC/ACIP immunization schedule; Kentucky accepts medical and religious exemptions with the required documentation
Citation: 922 KAR Chapter 2
Kentucky safety & emergency drills FAQ
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.
What emergency drills does Kentucky require?
Centers must conduct fire drills monthly, plus tornado/severe weather, earthquake, lockdown/intruder, and shelter-in-place drills each quarter. Earthquake drills apply statewide because all of Kentucky sits within the New Madrid seismic zone. Suspected abuse must be reported within 24 hours of discovery, and immediately under KRS 620.030.
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.