Who needs a child care center license in Connecticut?

Issued by Connecticut Office of Early Childhood, Division of Licensing, at step 4 of 6 in the opening sequence: get the permits for your kind of business.

1 of the 20 kinds of business in Connecticut

A center cares for 13 or more children. Submit the application at least 60 days before opening with the zoning, building, fire marshal and local health approvals, the floor plan and the director’s qualifications; background checks with fingerprints cover every staff member before the licensing inspection.

Checked Oct 21, 2026 against the agency’s page.

Step 4 of 6: Get the permits for your kind of business

  1. Set up the business
  2. Register for tax
  3. Approve the space
  4. Get the permits for your kind of business
  5. Alcohol permits
  6. Before the first hire

Issued by Connecticut Office of Early Childhood, Division of Licensing.

Sources and dates

Office of Early Childhood child care center and group home application page; C.G.S. 19a-80. Checked against the agency’s page on the date shown; cities add their own fees.

Questions about opening here.