In the information provided on this page is a basic outline of Vermont Child Care requirements that pertain to the design and construction of Child Care Facilities in the State of Vermont. 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.
VERMONT Child Care Licensing Requirements
Child Care license obtained from:
Vermont Department of Children and Families Child Development Division
103 South Main Street, A Building Waterbury, VT 05671-5500
https://dcf.vermont.gov/sites/dcf/files/CDD/Docs/Licensing/CBCCPP_Regulations_FINAL.pdf
(802) 241-6941
License renewal is required every year.
Indoor Space Requirements: 35 sf per child
|
|
Birth-18 Mos. |
18 – 30 Mos. |
24 – 36 Mos. |
32-42 Mos. |
3-5 Years |
6+ Years |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Required Teacher: Child Ratio |
1:4 |
1:4 |
1:5 |
1:6 |
1:10 |
1:13 |
|
|
Required Max. Group Size |
8 |
10 |
10 |
15 |
20 |
26 |
|
|
Recommended Classroom Capacity |
8 |
8 |
10 |
15 |
20 |
26 |
|
|
Recommended Staff per Classroom |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Recommended Min. Classroom Area |
280 sf. |
280 sf. |
350 sf. |
525 sf. |
700 sf. |
910 sf. |
|
Outdoor Space Requirements: 40 sf per Infant, 50 sf per Toddler, 65 sf per Preschool and Older
- The program director will make sure that all art and play materials are nontoxic.
- Trampolines can be used only id they are 36 inches or smaller in size.
- Fencing will be sturdy, safe, and reinforced at intervals giving support. Fenced areas will have at least two exits.
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
|
6 |
No more than 6 children will be transported in a vehicle without a second adult in addition to the driver. |
7 |
Compost will be removed on a regular basis but not less than every 7 days. |
5 |
Every five hours the child stays in the child care, it’s required to have a designated time for sleep or to relax. |
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Did you know . . .
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Children will not be forced to sleep. Those who don’t nap will have a provided space to play with toys quietly. |
 |
The licensee must have a first aid kit that is readily accessible to adults, but not to children. |
 |
All prescription medication administered by staff shall be in its original container, properly labeled for the child, and administered prior to the expiration date on the container. |
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Research completed by Calbert Design Group, LLC. Updated 2019