How to Start a Daycare in Wyoming (2026)

Last updated: February 26, 2026

Starting a licensed daycare in Wyoming requires a license from the Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS). A license is required if you care for more than two children who are not related to you. Wyoming DFS issues two main types of childcare licenses: Family Child Care Home (FCCH) for smaller operations in a home setting (3-10 children), and Family Child Care Center (FCCC) for larger operations (up to 15 children). All providers must complete background checks, TB risk assessments, pre-service training, and meet specific staff-to-child ratio requirements before receiving a license. The application process is thorough and may take several weeks to complete, so plan well ahead of your intended opening date.

Daycare Requirements in Wyoming at a Glance

Requirement	Agency	Cost	Timeline
LLC or business entity formation	Wyoming Secretary of State	$100	1-3 business days
DFS childcare license (FCCH or FCCC)	Wyoming Department of Family Services	Contact DFS for current fee	Several weeks (inspection required)
Background checks (criminal + Central Registry)	Wyoming DFS + DCI	Varies per individual	Complete before license approval
TB risk assessment	Healthcare provider	Varies	Before employment/licensing
Pre-service training + 6 hours childcare training	DFS-approved provider	Varies	Before licensing
Workers’ compensation registration	Wyoming DWS (wyui.wyo.gov)	Premium based on payroll	Before first employee’s first day
General liability insurance	Private insurer	$1,500-$4,000/year	Before opening

How to Start a Daycare in Wyoming (Step by Step)

Step 1: Determine If You Need a License

Contact the Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS) to confirm whether your specific situation requires a license. Generally, a license is required if you care for more than 2 children who are not related to you. DFS phone: (307) 777-7564. Website: dfs.wyo.gov.

Step 2: Choose Your License Type

Wyoming DFS issues two types of childcare facility licenses:

• Family Child Care Home (FCCH): Provides care for 3 to 10 children in your own home without additional staff. This is the most common license type for home-based daycare providers.
• Family Child Care Center (FCCC): Provides care for a maximum of 15 children, either in your home or another facility. One additional staff member is required when more than 10 children are present.

The license type determines your staffing requirements, space requirements, and the applicable DFS licensing rules. Review the full licensing rules at dfs.wyo.gov/providers/child-care-2/licensing-rules/.

Step 3: Form Your Business Entity

File Articles of Organization with the Wyoming Secretary of State at wyobiz.wyo.gov for $100. An LLC is recommended to separate business and personal liability. Wyoming has no state income tax, so business profits are not taxed at the state level.

Step 4: Complete Background Checks

All staff members and adult household members must complete comprehensive background checks before licensing is approved:

• Central Registry of Abuse and Neglect: All adult staff and household members must complete a Central Registry check in Wyoming and in all states where they have lived during the past five years.
• Criminal background check: Required for all adults at the facility. Disqualifying offenses will prevent licensure.
• Background checks must be completed before initial licensing and repeated periodically as required by DFS rules.

Step 5: Complete Required Training

Wyoming DFS requires training before a license is issued:

• TB risk assessment: All staff and household members must complete a tuberculosis (TB) risk assessment from a healthcare provider before beginning work at the facility.
• Childcare training: Directors and staff must have 6 clock hours of childcare training in addition to completing all required pre-service training before the license is issued.
• Professional credential: Directors must hold a professional credential from an organization recognized by DFS, or be working toward that credential within a DFS-approved timeline.
• First aid and CPR certification is typically required for all caregivers before the facility can open.

Step 6: Meet Staff-to-Child Ratio Requirements

Wyoming DFS mandates the following minimum staff-to-child ratios based on children’s ages:

Age Group	Staff-to-Child Ratio
Birth to 12 months	1:4
12 to 24 months	1:5
24 to 36 months	1:8
3 years old	1:10

If you serve mixed age groups, apply the most restrictive ratio that applies to the youngest child in the group.

Step 7: Prepare Your Facility and Submit Your Application

Your facility must meet Wyoming DFS physical space requirements before a license is issued. A DFS licensing representative will inspect your facility as part of the application process.

• Maintain all required records onsite (attendance, incident reports, health assessments).
• Ensure the facility meets fire safety requirements and has appropriate emergency exit plans posted.
• Safe sleep practices must be followed for infants (firm sleep surfaces, no soft bedding in cribs).
• Outdoor play space must meet minimum size and safety requirements.

Step 8: Register for Workers’ Compensation (If Hiring Staff)

Wyoming is a monopolistic workers’ comp state. If hiring any staff, register at wyui.wyo.gov before their first day of work. The joint registration covers both workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance.

Cost to Start a Daycare in Wyoming

Expense	Cost	Notes
LLC formation	$100	One-time, online at wyobiz.wyo.gov
DFS childcare license	Contact DFS for fee	Call (307) 777-7564
Background checks (per person)	Varies	Required for all adult staff and household members
TB risk assessment (per person)	$25-$75	Required before employment
Pre-service and childcare training	Varies	6+ hours required; varies by provider
First aid/CPR certification	$50-$100/person	Typically required for all caregivers
General liability insurance	$1,500-$4,000/year	Strongly recommended; some licensing requirements may apply
Facility setup (furniture, safety equipment)	$2,000-$15,000+	Varies by size and existing equipment

Official Resources

• Wyoming Department of Family Services – Child Care Licensing
• DFS – Who Needs to Be Licensed
• DFS – Licensing Rules
• Wyoming Business Center – LLC Filing
• WYUI – Workers’ Comp & Unemployment Registration
• Wyoming Business Hub – All Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to run a daycare in Wyoming?

Yes, if you care for more than 2 children who are not related to you. Wyoming DFS issues Family Child Care Home (FCCH) licenses for 3-10 children in a home setting, and Family Child Care Center (FCCC) licenses for up to 15 children. Contact DFS at (307) 777-7564 to confirm your specific licensing requirement.

What are the staff-to-child ratios for Wyoming daycares?

Wyoming DFS requires: 1 staff per 4 infants (birth-12 months), 1 per 5 toddlers (12-24 months), 1 per 8 two-year-olds (24-36 months), and 1 per 10 three-year-olds. Mixed age groups apply the most restrictive ratio for the youngest child present.

What background checks are required for Wyoming daycare providers?

All adult staff and household members must complete a Central Registry of Abuse and Neglect check in Wyoming and every state they’ve lived in for the past five years, plus a criminal background check. These must be completed before initial licensing and periodically thereafter.

How much training is required to open a daycare in Wyoming?

Directors and staff must complete at least 6 clock hours of childcare training plus all required pre-service training before receiving a license. Directors must also hold a professional credential recognized by DFS (or be actively working toward one). First aid and CPR certification is typically required for all caregivers.

What is the difference between FCCH and FCCC in Wyoming?

A Family Child Care Home (FCCH) provides care for 3 to 10 children in the provider’s own home without additional staff. A Family Child Care Center (FCCC) provides care for up to 15 children and may be in a home or a separate facility – one additional staff member is required when more than 10 children are present. The FCCC license applies to slightly larger operations.

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