The information provided on this page is a basic outline of Kentucky Child Care requirements that pertain to the design and construction of Child Care Facilities in the State of Kentucky. This information is a brief synopsis and does not include all of the detailed requirements needed to satisfy the governing authorities for Child Care Licensing, Building Code, Fire Code, Accessibility, or local Zoning. These guidelines are for general information and planning purposes. Contact the governing authority directly or engage a Licensed Architect to complete a full analysis of your school location.
KENTUCKY Child Care Licensing Requirements
Child Care license obtained from:
Kentucky Office of Inspector General, Cabinet for Health and Family Services
Division of Regulated Child Care
275 East Main Street, Frankfort, KY 40621
(502) 564-7962
https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/kar/922/002/120.pdf
License renewal is required every year.
Indoor Space Requirements: 35 sf per child
|
|
Infants |
Toddlers |
2-3 Years |
3-4 Years |
4-5 Years |
5-7 Years |
7+ Years |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Required Teacher:Child Ratio |
1:5 |
1:6 |
1:10 |
1:12 |
1:14 |
1:15 |
1:20 |
|
|
Required Max. Group Size |
10 |
12 |
20 |
24 |
28 |
30 |
30 |
|
|
Recommended Classroom Capacity |
10 |
12 |
20 |
24 |
28 |
30 |
30 |
|
|
Recommended Staff per Classroom |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Recommended Min. Classroom Area |
350 sf. |
420 sf. |
700 sf. |
840 sf. |
980 sf. |
1050 sf. |
1050 sf. |
|
Outdoor Space Requirements: 60 sf per child
- Fences shall be constructed of safe material and be stable and in good condition.
- Play areas and equipment shall be inspected quarterly by the administrator.
- Access to restroom facilities and drinking water is required during play times.
- Infant and Toddler Play equipment must be manufactured for commercial use and not be used for sleeping or napping.
Building Code Requirements
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CHILD FIXTURES |
ADULT FIXTURES |
DRINKING FOUNTAINS |
MOP SINK |
BATH TUB/ SHOWER |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
1:15 |
1:50 |
1:100 |
1 |
1 |
Fire Code Requirements
|
21 |
A toddler is defined as a child that is 21 months or older. |
0 |
Frozen food shall be stored at zero degrees Fahrenheit or lower. |
12 |
Sleeping cots and napping furniture shall be spaced 12 inches apart to allow free and safe movement. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Did you know . . .
 |
A child care center shall bave a written evacuation plan in the event of a fire or natural disaster. |  |
Children are to wash their hands within thirty minutes of arriving to the center, before and after handling food, and after toileting, diaper changing, or handling animals.. |  |
A daily planned program that offers a variety of creative activities including art, music, drama, stories, science, and blocks is required. |
|---|
Research completed by Calbert Design Group, LLC. Updated 2019