Utah childcare licensing is administered by the Office of Child Care within the Department of Workforce Services. Any program serving 4 or more children must be licensed. Utah operates a Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) called Child Care Counts. HB 505 (2026) created a new Rural Child Care Grant Program providing matching grants for facility expansion in rural Utah counties.
| Age Group | Staff : Children | Max Group Size |
|---|---|---|
| Infants (under 12 months) | 1:4 | 8 |
| Toddlers (12–24 months) | 1:4 | 8 |
| 2 years | 1:7 | 14 |
| Preschool (3–4 years) | 1:10 | 20 |
| School age | 1:15 | 30 |
Enrollment Form
Complete enrollment with child information and emergency contacts.
Immunization Records
Current immunization records per Utah immunization schedule required on file.
Health Assessment
Physician-signed health assessment required within 60 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 Utah Department of Health for current exemption procedures.
Minimum Age
18 years
Background Check
Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) check and child abuse registry check required for all staff and volunteers.
Lead Teacher Education
Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or relevant ECE coursework required for lead positions.
Assistant Education
High school diploma or GED required. Pre-service training required.
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. Contact OCC for current hour requirements.
Director Qualifications
Director qualification requirements set by Utah OCC. Child Care Counts higher levels require additional credentials.
Inspection Frequency
At least one unannounced inspection annually.
License Renewal
Annual license renewal required.
Application Process
Contact Utah Office of Child Care to begin the application process.
Licensing Fee
Varies by capacity. Contact OCC for current fee schedule.
See exactly what's missing for every child. Compliance checklists, automated parent reminders, phone document scanning. $99/month, unlimited staff.