Who needs a certified child care center license in Oregon?

Issued by Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care, Child Care Licensing Division, 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 Oregon

A certified center cares for 13 or more children, or fewer in a building that is not the provider’s home. Apply at least 45 days before opening with the zoning approval, the fire marshal’s and sanitation inspections and the floor plan; capacity is set from the room sizes, toilets and sinks, and every staff member clears the Central Background Registry before the licensing visit.

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 Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care, Child Care Licensing Division.

Sources and dates

DELC certified child care center pages and guide; OAR 414-300 (certified child care centers). Checked against the agency’s page on the date shown; cities add their own fees.

Questions about opening here.