Ohio child care facility & license
Indoor/outdoor space, license term, and inspection cadence. This page isolates the configured Ohio figures, related explanations, and primary source links from the full licensing guide.
Cited to OAC 5180:2-12Verified June 2026Summary only, not legal advice
Facility & license
- Indoor space
- 35 sq ft/child
- Outdoor space
- 60 sq ft/child
- License term
- Continuous (non-expiring)
- Inspections
- ≥1 inspection per state fiscal year (≥1 unannounced); continuous, non-expiring license (OAC 5180:2-12-03).
Citation: OAC 5180:2-12
Ohio facility & license FAQ
What are the square-footage requirements for an Ohio center?
Ohio requires at least 35 square feet of usable indoor space per child and at least 60 square feet of outdoor play space per child. These minimums shape both how many children a room can serve and your total licensed capacity.
Does an Ohio child care license expire or need renewal?
No. Ohio issues a continuous, non-expiring license, so there is no fixed renewal year. Instead, DCY conducts at least one inspection per state fiscal year, including at least one unannounced visit, and your license stays valid as long as you remain in compliance.
Disclaimer: These figures are a summary drawn from Ohio's rules; operators should always confirm current requirements directly with the Ohio Department of Children and Youth before making licensing decisions. This page is a summary for informational purposes only and is not legal or compliance advice. Confirm with Ohio Department of Children and Youth.