Step 1: Learn about licensing and child care regulations
Watch our videos about opening a licensed child care center or group child care home and maintaining compliance.
Review the statutes and regulations related to child care centers and group child care homes.
Step 2: Download and fill out your application
The application PDF gives you an overview of the process and includes some additional forms and a checklist of all the information you need to submit.
Step 3: Submit your application
You will need to pay a fee for your license.
- Child care center license: $500
- Group child care home license: $250
Make a check or money order payable to “Treasurer State of Connecticut.” This fee is non-refundable.
Send your application and payment to:
Office of Early Childhood
Division of Licensing
450 Columbus Blvd. Suite 302
Hartford, CT 06103
If we don’t get your application in time, your opening may be delayed.
Step 4: Wait for an email from OEC and then submit a background check
After we review your licensing application, you’ll get an email from OEC with a link and instructions to start the background check process. Remember that getting a background check (for you and your staff) is a required part of getting licensed.
Learn more about who needs a background check and how to complete the process.
Step 5: Get ready for the inspection
Once you have submitted your background checks and your application is complete, a member of our licensing staff will contact you to schedule an inspection.
As soon as you’re licensed, you can start providing care for children. We conduct annual unannounced inspections to monitor compliance with all statutes and regulations.
Find sample policies, additional documents, and more. Go to the child care center and group child care home forms, documents, and resources.
How do I renew a license?
You’ll need to renew your program’s license every 4 years. We’ll send you a letter when it’s time to renew with instructions on how to do it online.
- Renewing a group child care home license: $250
- Renewing a child care center license: $500
We’re here to help! If you have questions or want to file a complaint, call us at 860-500-4450 or 800-282-6063.
You can also look up the licensing supervisor for your town to contact them directly.