Ohio childcare licensing is administered by the Bureau of Child Care and Development within ODJFS. Centers serving 7 or more children must be licensed. HB 96 (2026 Budget) increased CCAP subsidy rates and created a new Quality Supports program providing technical assistance and mini-grants to Step Up to Quality participants.
| Age Group | Staff : Children | Max Group Size |
|---|---|---|
| Infants (under 12 months) | 1:5 | 10 |
| Toddlers (12–24 months) | 1:6 | 12 |
| 2 years | 1:7 | 14 |
| Preschool (3–4 years) | 1:12 | 24 |
| 4–5 years | 1:14 | 28 |
| School age | 1:18 | 36 |
Enrollment Form
Complete enrollment with child information and emergency contacts.
Immunization Records
Current immunization records per Ohio immunization schedule required on file.
Medical/Health Statement
Physician-signed health statement required within 30 days of enrollment.
Emergency Contact Information
Names and phone numbers of emergency contacts and authorized pickup persons.
Emergency Medical Authorization
Parental consent for emergency medical care.
Allergy and Dietary Information
Documentation of any food allergies or special dietary needs.
Medication AuthorizationConditional
Written parental authorization for any medication to be administered.
Exemption Policy
Medical and religious exemptions are permitted. Contact the Ohio Department of Health for current exemption procedures.
Minimum Age
18 years
Background Check
BCI&I (Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation) and FBI fingerprint background check required for all staff and volunteers.
Lead Teacher Education
Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or relevant ECE coursework required. Requirements increase with Step Up to Quality star level.
Assistant Education
High school diploma or GED required. Pre-service training required before working with children.
CPR / First Aid
Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification required. At least one certified staff member on-site at all times.
Continuing Education
Annual professional development training required per ODJFS standards.
Director Qualifications
Director must meet ODJFS education and experience requirements. Higher credentials required at higher Step Up to Quality levels.
Inspection Frequency
At least one unannounced inspection annually. Step Up to Quality participants receive additional quality visits.
License Renewal
Annual license renewal required.
Application Process
Contact ODJFS Bureau of Child Care and Development or county office to begin the application process.
Licensing Fee
Varies by capacity. Contact ODJFS for current fee schedule.
Daycare Enrollment Forms Checklist: Every Document You Need Per Child
The complete list of documents required per child, with state-specific variations.
How to Prepare for a Daycare Licensing Inspection
Step-by-step checklist covering child files, staff records, ratios, and facility safety.
Staff-to-Child Ratios by State: The Complete Comparison
Compare infant, toddler, and preschool ratio requirements across all 50 states.
Daycare Immunization Requirements by State
Required vaccines and exemption policies — medical only, religious, or philosophical.
See exactly what's missing for every child. Compliance checklists, automated parent reminders, phone document scanning. $99/month, unlimited staff.