Vermont Daycare Self-Inspection Checklist (Printable)

Recent and upcoming changes

Full rule rewrite: drafted, not yet proposed Draft revisions to the CBCCPP, FCCH and ASP rules (November 2025) Centers · Family child care · School-age programs CDD posted draft rewrites of all of its licensing rules and presented them in a November 17, 2025 webinar.
Proposed center ratio table (not in force) Draft CBCCPP rules (November 2025), Maximum Capacity, Group Size, and Staffing Centers The draft center rules would simplify the ratio table to four age bands: birth to 18 months 1:4 (group of 8); 18 to 32 months 1:5 (group of 10); 32 months to preschool 1:10 (group of 20); school age 1:13 (group of 26).
Emergency plan includes how children will be reunified with families CDD memos of September 24, 2024 (CBCCPP 3.7.1.1, 5.1.3, 7.4.4, 8.1.8; FCCH 3.6.1.1, 5.1.3, 7.4.4; ASP 4.3, 5.36, 10.8) Centers · Family child care · School-age programs
Unannounced visit every year for homes and afterschool programs CDD memo of September 24, 2024 (FCCH 2.3.1.2; ASP 18.3) Family child care · School-age programs CDD added that it will make an unannounced licensing visit at least once every 365 days at each family child care home and afterschool program (centers already had a yearly visit in CBCCPP Rule 2.3.9.4).
Director on site 40% of the time CDD variance memo of July 11, 2023 (CBCCPP 6.2.4.1; ASP 5.24); Act 76 of 2023, § 13 Centers · School-age programs Act 76 directed CDD to require center directors, and afterschool administrators or site directors, to be on site at least 40% of the time children are present.
Tuition must be public, and increases are capped 33 V.S.A. § 3517 Centers · Family child care · School-age programs Every child care provider must make its tuition rates available to the public, for example on its website, in its family handbook or on request.
Faster background checks in progress Act 76 of 2023 status report (final update April 6, 2026) Centers · Family child care · School-age programs On March 6, 2026 CDD launched a digital Record Check Authorization form so providers can submit record checks in one step.
Individual educator licensing: not passed S.206 (2025–2026 session) Centers · Family child care · School-age programs S.206 would have created state licenses for individual early childhood educators, overseen through the Office of Professional Regulation, on top of today's program licenses.

Who needs a license

License or registration required 33 V.S.A. § 3502(a)–(c) Centers · Family child care · School-age programs A person may not run a child care facility without a license, or a family child care home without registration, from the Department for Children and Families.
Centers and preschools CBCCPP Rule 2.1.1 Centers A center-based child care and preschool program provides care and education outside children's homes for less than 24 hours a day, as a business or service on a regular basis, paid or not.
Two kinds of family child care home FCCH Rules 2.1.1–2.1.3 Family child care A family child care home operates in the provider's own residence.
Afterschool programs ASP Rule 1.4; 33 V.S.A. § 3502(b) School-age programs Afterschool child care programs serve school-age children (age 5 or older and in kindergarten or above) in community centers or schools.
Full and provisional licenses CBCCPP Rule 2.3.7; FCCH Rule 2.3.6 Centers · Family child care A full license lasts three years. A provisional license, for up to one year, may be issued to a new program not yet shown to be in full compliance, a program applying for a change, one with an emergency or a pattern of…
Current license and a copy of the regulations posted where parents can see them CBCCPP Rule 2.3.4; FCCH Rule 2.3.3 Centers · Family child care
Tell CDD before you change CBCCPP Rule 2.3.12 Centers Notify CDD before changing indoor or outdoor space, the program name, tax ID, license type, number or ages of children served, program director, or the licensee's designated representative.

Staff-to-child ratios

Ratios: 0–18 mo 1:4 (8); 18–30 mo 1:4 (10); 24–36 mo 1:5 (10); 32–42 mo 1:6 (15); 36 mo–K 1:10 (20); 1st grade+ 1:13 (26) CBCCPP Rule 6.2.1.3 Centers
Mixed ages and staff members' own children CBCCPP Rules 6.2.2, 6.2.1.1 Centers In a mixed-age group, both the ratio and the maximum group size follow the age of the youngest child.
Who counts in ratio CBCCPP Rules 6.2.1.4–6.2.1.8 Centers Only qualified staff who meet the training rules and are physically present and working with children count.
Nap time and the second adult CBCCPP Rules 6.2.3, 6.2.4.5 Centers When children 24 months and older nap, at least one staff member must supervise each sleeping group with a clear view of the children, and the other staff the ratio requires must stay within hearing distance.
Registered home: no more than 10 children (12 in summer option), 6 under school age, 2 under 24 months per provider FCCH Rule 6.2.1 (registered homes) Family child care
Licensed home capacity FCCH Rule 6.2.2 (licensed homes) Family child care A licensed home may never exceed the capacity on its license, and the provider's own children and an assistant's children younger than school age count.
Provider present 60% of the time FCCH Rules 6.2.1.4, 6.2.2.3 Family child care The registered or licensed family child care provider must be present and counted in ratio for at least 60% of the hours of operation.
Afterschool: 1:13, group of 26 maximum, backup staff on site over 10 children ASP Rules 6.1–6.5 School-age programs

Group size and capacity

Center group sizes CBCCPP Rules 6.2.1.2, 6.2.1.3 Centers Maximum groups: 8 for birth to 18 months; 10 for 18 to 30 months and for 24 to 36 months; 15 for 32 to 42 months; 20 for 36 months to kindergarten; 26 for 1st grade and up.
Home capacity caps FCCH Rules 6.2.1.2, 6.2.2.2 Family child care A registered home may never have more than 10 children (12 under the summer vacation option).
Afterschool group size ASP Rule 6.2 School-age programs No identified group in an afterschool program may have more than 26 children.

Staff qualifications

Center director CBCCPP Rule 7.3.1 Centers The program director must be at least 21.
Teacher, teacher associate and teacher assistant CBCCPP Rules 7.3.2.1–7.3.2.3 Centers A teacher is at least 20 and holds, for example, a Vermont Early Childhood Career Ladder Level 4 certificate, a related bachelor's degree plus 12 months' experience, or an Agency of Education early childhood or…
Trainees, aides and substitutes CBCCPP Rules 7.3.2.4–7.3.2.6 Centers Trainees may be 15 or older and must complete an approved course within their first year.
Who must be on duty CBCCPP Rules 6.2.4.1–6.2.4.4, 6.2.4.8 Centers A qualified program director must be on site at least 60% of the hours of operation under the rule, now 40% of the time children are present under CDD's Act 76 variance, and must name someone in charge when away.
Family child care provider FCCH Rules 7.3.1, 7.3.2 Family child care A registered home provider must be at least 18 with a high school diploma or GED and, before licensure or within 12 months, one of: a Career Ladder Level 1 certificate, the Fundamentals for Early Childhood Professionals…
Assistants, aides, trainees and substitutes in homes FCCH Rules 7.3.3–7.3.6 Family child care A family child care assistant must be 18, with a diploma or GED and the Fundamentals course or 3 college credits within the first year (or a Human Services certificate program).
Afterschool staff ASP Rules 5.1–5.6 School-age programs The program administrator must be 18 with a bachelor's degree and, for example, 20 months' experience with school-age children or a Vermont credential.

Background checks

Records Check Authorization and fingerprints submitted before work; nobody alone with children until CDD approval CBCCPP Rules 7.2.1–7.2.4 Centers
Household members and frequent visitors FCCH Rules 7.2.1, 7.2.2, 2.3.7.2 Family child care In a family child care home, all new staff and anyone with unsupervised access to children must be checked and fingerprinted.
Renew every five years CBCCPP Rule 2.3.9.3; FCCH Rule 2.3.8.3 Centers · Family child care Staff (and, in homes, the provider, everyone living in the home and anyone left alone with children) must submit a new Records Check Authorization, and be fingerprinted when required, at least once every five years.
Who is disqualified CBCCPP Rules 7.2.5–7.2.8; FCCH Rules 7.2.5–7.2.8 Centers · Family child care CDD aims to finish checks within 45 days of the Crime Information Center receiving everything.
Checks have been slow Vt. State Auditor Rpt. No. 26-03 (March 4, 2026) Centers · Family child care · School-age programs The State Auditor found a median of 77 days from submission to completion for new-hire background checks in an August 2025 sample, longer than the 45-day federal limit.

Training

Orientation before being left alone CBCCPP Rule 7.1.3; FCCH Rule 7.1.3 Centers · Family child care Staff must complete a CDD-approved orientation before being left alone with children.
Pediatric first aid and infant/child CPR within 3 months of hire; one certified person on site at all times CBCCPP Rule 7.1.2; FCCH Rule 7.1.2; CDD memo of July 30, 2019 Centers · Family child care
15 hours a year CBCCPP Rules 7.4.1–7.4.7; FCCH Rules 7.4.1–7.4.7 Centers · Family child care Each staff member needs an Individual Professional Development Plan within six months of starting, updated every year, and must complete 15 clock hours of professional development each year.
Child abuse prevention training CBCCPP Rules 3.3.5, 3.3.6; 33 V.S.A. § 3502(d)(2) Centers Licensees, staff and auxiliary staff must be trained in preventing, recognizing and reporting child abuse and neglect, and in preventing child sexual abuse, including grooming and other predatory behavior.
Emergency preparedness training CBCCPP Rule 3.7.3; FCCH Rule 3.6.3 Centers · Family child care Within a year of opening, the licensee or family child care provider must attend emergency preparedness training that covers sheltering in place for an extended period.
Afterschool training ASP Rules 5.33–5.39; CDD memo of July 30, 2019 School-age programs Staff need an Individual Professional Development Plan within four months of hire.

Health and safety

Supervision CBCCPP Rule 6.2.6; FCCH Rule 6.2.4 Centers · Family child care Staff must be able to see children, except that they must always be able to hear children of pre-kindergarten age and younger, see them with a quick glance and respond immediately.
Injury needing medical care: call CDD within 48 hours, written report within 5 business days CBCCPP Rules 3.2.1–3.2.5; FCCH Rules 3.1.1–3.1.5 Centers · Family child care
Incident reports to parents the same day CBCCPP Rule 5.8.3; FCCH Rule 5.8.3 Centers · Family child care Write an incident report for every accident, injury or medical emergency that leaves a visible mark or needs first aid, with the child's name, date, what happened, adult witnesses, first aid and medical care.
Mandated reporters CBCCPP Rules 3.3.1–3.3.7; 33 V.S.A. § 4913 Centers Licensees and staff are mandated reporters and must call the Child Abuse Hotline within 24 hours of suspecting abuse or neglect.
No tobacco or cannabis 33 V.S.A. § 3504 Centers · Family child care · School-age programs Tobacco, tobacco substitutes such as e-cigarettes, and cannabis may never be used on the premises of a licensed center or afterschool program, indoors or out.
Corporal punishment is illegal 33 V.S.A. § 3503 Centers · Family child care · School-age programs No one employed by or acting for a licensed or registered child care facility may use corporal punishment.

Facility, furniture and hazards

Bookcases, cubbies, dressers and TVs that could tip are anchored or secured CBCCPP Rule 5.10.1.1.3; FCCH Rule 5.10.1.1.3 Centers · Family child care
Outlets, cords and choking hazards CBCCPP Rules 5.10.1.1.1, 5.10.1.1.2, 5.10.1.1.5, 5.10.1.1.6 Centers · Family child care Protect children from electrical outlets with covers or tamper-resistant outlets, and from cords on blinds, appliances and phones.
Home: firearms locked, ammunition locked separately. Center: no weapons on site CBCCPP Rule 5.10.1.12; FCCH Rule 5.10.1.12 Centers · Family child care
Smoke detector on each floor and by sleep rooms; CO monitor outside sleep rooms; tagged extinguisher by an exit FCCH Rule 5.10.1.2 Family child care
Lead paint and lead in water CBCCPP Rules 5.10.1.8, 2.3.8.8; 18 V.S.A. ch. 38 Centers Buildings built before 1978 that are not certified lead-free must follow Vermont's Lead Law, including Essential Maintenance Practices to control peeling paint and dust.
Chemicals and pesticides CBCCPP Rules 5.10.1.10, 5.10.1.9 Centers Label hazardous materials and lock up poisons other than routine cleaning supplies, which must be out of children's reach.
Temperature and ventilation CBCCPP Rule 5.10.1.5 Centers Rooms used by children must be 65°F to 85°F measured one foot above the floor, and infant areas at least 68°F at floor level.

Emergency preparedness

Written emergency response plan CBCCPP Rule 3.7.1; FCCH Rule 3.6.1 Centers · Family child care The plan must cover evacuation and lockdown, local risks such as flooding or a nuclear plant, notifying authorities and parents, the local emergency planning committee, accounting for everyone present, infants and…
Monthly evacuation drill under 3 minutes; at least one a year at nap time CBCCPP Rule 3.7.2; FCCH Rule 3.6.2 Centers · Family child care
Drill records CBCCPP Rule 3.4.6.1; FCCH Rule 3.3.6.1 Centers · Family child care Record each drill's date, the number of children and staff evacuated, how long it took, and whether children were sleeping.
Working phone and posted numbers CBCCPP Rule 5.10.1.13; FCCH Rule 5.10.1.13 Centers · Family child care A working phone must be available whenever children are present.

Medication

Written parent permission on file for every medication, with dose, time, route, reason and dates CBCCPP Rules 5.6.1–5.6.6; FCCH Rules 5.6.1–5.6.7 Centers · Family child care
Dose log, storage and rescue medication CBCCPP Rules 5.6.7–5.6.11; FCCH Rules 5.6.8–5.6.12 Centers · Family child care Record every dose with the amount, time, staff member and any reaction, and keep the records for 365 days.

Immunizations and health records

Immunization records CBCCPP Rule 5.1.3; FCCH Rule 5.1.3 Centers · Family child care Keep each child's current immunization record with dates.
Child Care Immunization Report sent to the Health Department this year CBCCPP Rule 5.1.4; FCCH Rule 5.1.4 Centers · Family child care
Well-child exam within 45 days CBCCPP Rule 5.1.2; FCCH Rule 5.1.2 Centers · Family child care Within 45 days of enrollment, get documentation of the child's age-appropriate well-care exam, including any health conditions or medications that affect care.

Nutrition

What to serve CBCCPP Rules 5.11.2.1–5.11.2.4; FCCH Rules 5.11.2.1–5.11.2.4 Centers · Family child care Serve at least one snack for 4 hours or less; a meal and a snack for 4 to 6 hours; two meals and a snack (or one meal and two snacks) for 6 to 11 hours; three meals and two snacks for more than 11 hours; and a snack…
Post menus and keep six weeks CBCCPP Rule 5.11.1.3; FCCH Rule 5.11.1.3 Centers · Family child care Plan menus in advance, date and post them where parents can see them, note any changes, and keep the last six weeks on file.
Infant feeding CBCCPP Rule 5.11.6 Centers Get written feeding instructions from parents for each infant, feed on the infant's own schedule, hold infants for bottles (never prop a bottle), label and refrigerate bottles, never microwave formula or breast milk,…
Allergies and special diets CBCCPP Rule 5.11.8; FCCH Rule 5.11.8 Centers · Family child care Serve therapeutic diets, or change meals for allergies or intolerances, only with written instructions from the child's health care provider.

Safe sleep

Infants on their backs in a bare crib; no blankets, bumpers, toys or swaddling CBCCPP Rule 5.4.2; FCCH Rule 5.4.2 Centers · Family child care
Center: check sleeping infants every 15 minutes CBCCPP Rule 5.4.1.5 Centers Staff supervise children while they nap and must directly observe each sleeping infant at least every 15 minutes, checking the face, skin color and breathing.
Home: check every sleeping child every 15 minutes FCCH Rules 5.4.1.5, 6.2.4.3 Family child care In a family child care home, the provider or staff must directly observe every sleeping child, not just infants, at least every 15 minutes, checking the face, skin color and breathing, and must be positioned to…
Cribs and nap equipment CBCCPP Rules 5.4.1.1–5.4.1.3; FCCH Rules 5.4.1.1–5.4.1.3 Centers · Family child care Every child younger than school age needs an individual crib, cot, mat or bed used by only one child a day; no one naps on the floor.

Discipline and guidance

Positive guidance only CBCCPP Rule 6.2.7; FCCH Rule 6.2.5 Centers · Family child care Have a plain-language guidance policy and share it with staff and parents.
Before expelling a child CBCCPP Rule 6.2.8.4; FCCH Rule 6.2.6.1 Centers · Family child care Work with the parents and professionals on a plan to keep the child enrolled.

Records

Each child's file CBCCPP Rule 3.4.4; FCCH Rule 3.3.4 Centers · Family child care Complete within the child's first week: signed admission form with start date and schedule; the child's name, address, home language and birth date; parent contacts; at least two emergency contacts; everyone authorized…
Staff files CBCCPP Rule 3.4.5 Centers Keep each staff member's file with contact information, first aid and CPR certificates, a signed mandated-reporter statement, the Records Check Authorization, proof they read the regulations, medication training, job…
How long to keep other records CBCCPP Rule 3.4.6 Centers Evacuation drill records: 2 years. Incident reports: 24 months.
Keep BFIS current CBCCPP Rules 3.4.7.3–3.4.7.5 Centers Staff left alone with children or counted in ratio, and the program director, need an up-to-date BFIS Quality and Credential Account within six months of hire.

Attendance, sign-in and sign-out

Arrival and departure time recorded for every child, every day; records kept 12 months CBCCPP Rule 3.4.3; FCCH Rule 3.3.3 Centers · Family child care
Release only to authorized people CBCCPP Rule 3.6; FCCH Rule 3.5 Centers · Family child care Release a child only to people the parent has authorized, and check the ID of anyone staff do not know.
A child who does not arrive CBCCPP Rule 3.2.4.1; FCCH Rule 3.1.4.1 Centers · Family child care When a child expected from another program or person does not arrive as scheduled and the parent has not called in an absence, contact the parent or authorized person immediately.
Afterschool: no leaving alone without permission ASP Rule 7.4 School-age programs Once a child checks in to an afterschool program, the child may leave only with a parent or authorized person, unless the parent has given written permission for the child to leave on their own at a set time.

Transportation and field trips

Car seats under 8 CBCCPP Rule 5.10.6.2; FCCH Rule 5.10.6.2 Centers · Family child care Children under 8 must ride in a federally approved child restraint suited to their weight and size (unless they ride a bus without seat belts).
Trip log with date, time, driver, vehicle, children, and an every-child-out check CBCCPP Rules 5.10.6.6.2–5.10.6.6.6; FCCH Rules 5.10.6.6.2–5.10.6.6.5 Centers · Family child care
Vehicles, drivers and time limits CBCCPP Rules 5.10.6.1, 5.10.6.5, 5.10.6.7 Centers Vehicles must be registered, inspected, insured, in good repair and carry a first aid kit.
Written permission CBCCPP Rule 5.10.6.6.1; FCCH Rule 5.10.6.6.1 Centers · Family child care Get parents' written permission before transporting a child, keep it in the child's file, and tell parents when someone not employed by the program may drive their child.

Inspections and enforcement

Licensors may inspect at any reasonable hour CBCCPP Rule 2.3.1; FCCH Rule 2.3.1 Centers · Family child care Programs must let CDD and local building, fire and health officials in at reasonable hours, show any required record on request, let licensors interview staff, and never obstruct an inspection.
Yearly visits CBCCPP Rule 2.3.9.4; FCCH memo of Sept. 24, 2024; ASP memo of Sept. 24, 2024 Centers · Family child care · School-age programs CDD visits each center at least once every 365 days.
Complaints CBCCPP Rule 2.3.6; FCCH Rule 2.3.5 Centers · Family child care CDD assesses every complaint and investigates those that concern the rules.
Corrective action, suspension and revocation CBCCPP Rules 2.4, 2.5; FCCH Rules 2.4, 2.5 Centers · Family child care For violations, CDD offers a program improvement plan with a deadline agreed with the program.
Latest site visit report posted for parents for at least 15 days CBCCPP Rule 2.8; FCCH Rule 2.8 Centers · Family child care
What the State Auditor found Vt. State Auditor Rpt. No. 26-03 (March 4, 2026) Centers · Family child care · School-age programs The auditor found that CDD was inconsistent in documenting serious violations, confirming that parent letters went out and following up on corrections, and that 11 of 40 sampled violations should have been cited as…

Appeals and variances

Appeal within 30 days CBCCPP Rule 2.6; FCCH Rule 2.6 Centers · Family child care A program can appeal a revocation, a denied or downgraded license, a violation cited in a site visit report, or a variance decision.
Variances CBCCPP Rule 2.7; FCCH Rule 2.7 Centers · Family child care The Commissioner can grant a variance in unique circumstances when following a rule literally would cause unnecessary hardship and its intent can be met another way.

Vermont daycare self-inspection checklist

Recent and upcoming changes

Who needs a license

Staff-to-child ratios

Group size and capacity

Staff qualifications

Background checks

Training

Health and safety

Facility, furniture and hazards

Emergency preparedness

Medication

Immunizations and health records

Nutrition

Safe sleep

Discipline and guidance

Records

Attendance, sign-in and sign-out

Transportation and field trips

Inspections and enforcement

Appeals and variances

Email me when Vermont's rules change