Kentucky child care staff training & qualifications
Annual training hours and director/lead-teacher minimums. 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
Annual training hours
- 15 hours/year of ongoing training for each staff member
- 15 hours/year for the director
- 6-hour new-staff orientation
Common required courses
Minimum qualifications
Director
Bachelor's/master's in education or child development; OR ECE associate; OR CDA + 1 yr paid experience; OR 3 yrs full-time paid experience (922 KAR 2:090 §10)
Lead teacher
18+, HS diploma/GED or Commonwealth Child Care Credential (922 KAR 2:090 §11)
Citation: 922 KAR Chapter 2
Kentucky staff training & qualifications FAQ
What qualifications does a childcare center director need in Kentucky?
A director may qualify through any of several paths: a bachelor's or master's degree in education or child development; an associate degree in early childhood education; a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential plus one year of paid experience; or three years of full-time paid experience. Lead teachers must be at least 18 with a high school diploma or GED, or hold the Commonwealth Child Care Credential.
How many training hours are required each year in Kentucky?
Both staff and the director must complete 15 hours of ongoing training each year. New staff also complete a 6-hour orientation within their first three months and an additional 9 hours within their first year. hayway tracks each person's hours and flags shortfalls before the deadline.
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.