Apply for a License: Family Child Care Homes

Step 1: Learn about licensing and child care regulations

Watch our videos about opening a family child care home and maintaining compliance.

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. Make a check or money order for $40 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

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, household members, 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 and your household members have submitted 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.

Visit our forms and documents page

Find sample policies, additional documents, and more. Go to family child care home forms and documents.

How do I renew a license?

You’ll need to renew your program’s license every 4 years. It costs $40.

We’ll send you a letter when it’s time to renew with instructions on how to do it online. 

Questions?

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.

Last updated August 16, 2023