Vermont childcare licensing is administered by the Child Development Division within the Agency of Education. Any program serving 6 or more children must be licensed. Act 76 (2023) moved childcare oversight to the Agency of Education. S.56 (2026) created a new universal child care framework expanding subsidized access for children under age 5 regardless of family income.
| Age Group | Staff : Children | Max Group Size |
|---|---|---|
| Infants (under 18 months) | 1:4 | 8 |
| Toddlers (18 months–3 years) | 1:5 | 10 |
| Preschool (3–5 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 Vermont Department of Health schedule required on file.
Health Assessment
Physician-signed health assessment 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 Vermont Department of Health for current exemption procedures.
Minimum Age
18 years
Background Check
Vermont criminal background check and Child Protection Registry check required for all staff and volunteers.
Lead Teacher Education
Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or relevant ECE coursework required. Vermont early educator registry credential encouraged.
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 AOE Child Development Division for current hour requirements.
Director Qualifications
Director must meet AOE education and experience requirements.
Inspection Frequency
At least one unannounced inspection annually.
License Renewal
Annual license renewal required.
Application Process
Contact Vermont AOE Child Development Division to begin the application process.
Licensing Fee
Varies by capacity. Contact AOE for current fee schedule.
See exactly what's missing for every child. Compliance checklists, automated parent reminders, phone document scanning. $99/month, unlimited staff.