Types of Care in KY
There are a variety of legal child care arrangements available in Kentucky to meet the diverse needs of families. These include care arrangements in homes or center-based programs that meet Kentucky standards for care such as teacher to child ratio, educational qualifications, safety standards, capacity, and nutritional requirements. The Division of Regulated Child Care is the agency responsible for licensing Type I Child Care Facilities, Type II Child Care Facilities, and Certified Family Child Care Homes.
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Registered Early Childhood Professionals accepting payment through the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) must apply through the Division of Child Care. These providers are typically family members, friends, or neighbors caring for three or fewer unrelated children.
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The Division of Regulated Child Care does not regulate providers who care for three or fewer children not related to them. Providers who care for more than three children not related to them must be certified or licensed unless they fall into the exempt category. All exempt child care settings can be found 922 KAR 2:090 Child-care licensure in Section 3.
Type of Care
Licensed Child Care Center
(Type I)
Licensed Child Care Homes
(Type II)
Number of Children
7-12
(no more than 12 related to licensee)
Location
Provider’s home
Registered Relative Provider
A Registered Relative Provider is a family member who cares for children in their own home or the child's home.
A Registered Relative Provider may not care for more than six children related to the caregiver or more than eight children inclusive of their own children.
A Registered Provider must meet all requirements of the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) as outlined in 922 KAR 2:180. Applicants must submit a completed Kentucky Applicant Registry and Employment Screening (KARES) background check, be certified in age-appropriate CPR/First Aid and not live within the same household as the child.
Individuals who care for three (3) or fewer children not related to them are not required to be regulated by the Division of Regulated Child Care (DRCC). Anyone who cares for more than three children not related to them is REQUIRED to be regulated by the DRCC. The only exception is programs that fall within the exempt status which can be found in 922 KAR 2:090 Child-care licensure in Section 3.
Nonregulated Care
Number of Children
Location