← Daycare Licensing Requirements

Wyoming Daycare Licensing Requirements

Updated March 2026Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS), Child Care Licensing

Overview

Wyoming childcare licensing is administered by the Department of Family Services. Centers serving 6 or more children must be licensed. Wyoming has one of the lowest population densities in the nation and relies heavily on licensed family child care homes in rural areas. HB 144 (2026) created a new Wyoming Child Care Innovation Grant to support new center openings in rural and frontier communities.

Staff-to-Child Ratios

Age GroupStaff : ChildrenMax Group Size
Infants (under 12 months)1:48
Toddlers (12–24 months)1:48
2 years1:612
Preschool (3–5 years)1:1020
School age1:1530

Required Documents Per Child

  • Enrollment Form

    Complete enrollment with child information and emergency contacts.

  • Immunization Records

    Current immunization records per Wyoming 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.

Immunization Requirements

DTaPPolio (IPV)MMRHepatitis BVaricellaHibPCV

Exemption Policy

Medical and religious exemptions are permitted. Contact the Wyoming Department of Health for current exemption procedures.

Staff Requirements

Minimum Age

18 years

Background Check

State criminal background check and DFS background 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 DFS for current hour requirements.

Director Qualifications

Director qualification requirements set by Wyoming DFS Child Care Licensing.

Inspections & Licensing

Inspection Frequency

At least one unannounced inspection annually.

License Renewal

Annual license renewal required.

Application Process

Contact Wyoming DFS Child Care Licensing to begin the application process.

Licensing Fee

Varies by capacity. Contact DFS for current fee schedule.

Compliance Notes

  • 1HB 144 (2026): Wyoming Child Care Innovation Grant for new center openings in rural and frontier communities.
  • 2Rural and frontier communities rely heavily on licensed family child care homes.

Official Sources

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