How to Start a Daycare in Wyoming (2026)

Last updated: May 4, 2026

Starting a licensed daycare in Wyoming requires approval from the Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS) under W.S. § 14-4-101 and following. A license is required any time you care for more than two children who are not related to you. Wyoming DFS issues three distinct license types based on capacity and facility type: the Family Child Care Home (FCCH) for smaller home-based programs, the Family Child Care Center (FCCC) for mid-size operations, and the Child Care Center (CCC) for larger facilities serving 16 or more children. Since August 4, 2025, all licensing applications are processed through Wyoming’s new ECARES online portal, replacing the previous paper-based system.

Wyoming has an acute child care shortage that makes this one of the more favorable states for new providers to enter the market. Only about 19% of income-eligible children statewide are currently served by the subsidy program, and the state has an estimated 30% supply gap in licensed child care capacity. That means new licensed providers can expect real demand from families who have been on waiting lists or going without care. The business case for opening a daycare in Wyoming is backed by documented supply-demand data, not speculation.

Two things make Wyoming’s operating environment unusual compared to most states. First, Wyoming has no state income tax on individuals or businesses, so profits from your daycare are not taxed at the state level. Second, Wyoming is a monopolistic workers’ compensation state — meaning you cannot buy workers’ comp from a private insurer. You must register with the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services (DWS) through the WYUI portal before your first employee’s first day. If DFS Chapter 11 regulations require workers’ comp (they do for licensed centers with employees), there is only one source: DWS.

Wyoming Daycare Requirements at a Glance

Requirement	Agency	Approximate Cost	Timeline
DFS Child Care License (FCCH, FCCC, or CCC)	Wyoming Dept. of Family Services	~$50 initial / ~$25 annual (approximate; verify with DFS)	Several weeks (inspection required)
LLC Formation (Articles of Organization)	Wyoming Secretary of State	$100	1-3 business days
Federal EIN	IRS	Free	Immediate (online)
Background checks (criminal + sex offender registry)	Wyoming DFS + DCI	Varies per person	Complete before license approval
TB screening	Healthcare provider	~$25-$75 per person	Before employment/licensing
Director pre-service training + 6 training credits	DFS-approved provider	Varies	Before license issuance
CPR / First Aid certification (pediatric)	Certified training provider	$50-$100 per person	Before opening
Workers’ compensation registration (if hiring staff)	Wyoming DWS (wyui.wyo.gov)	Premium based on payroll	Before first employee’s first day
General liability insurance	Commercial insurer	$1,500-$4,000/year	Before opening

License fee note: Fees listed above are approximate figures from secondary sources. DFS fees can change, and the exact current amount should be confirmed directly with DFS at (307) 777-7564 or at dfs.wyo.gov.

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

Step 1: Choose Your Wyoming License Type

Wyoming DFS issues three types of child care facility licenses under W.S. § 14-4-101 and the Chapter 11 Health and Safety Requirements. Understanding which license applies to your operation is the first decision you need to make, because it affects staffing requirements, space requirements, and the application process.

• Family Child Care Home (FCCH): Provides care for 3 to 10 children in the provider’s own residence, without additional staff. This is the most common license type for home-based providers. The FCCH is Wyoming’s lowest-barrier entry point into licensed child care.
• Family Child Care Center (FCCC): Provides care for up to 15 children. The FCCC can operate in a home or a separate building and requires staff beyond just the primary provider when enrollment grows. This is a mid-tier option between a small home program and a full center.
• Child Care Center (CCC): Provides care for 16 or more children. A CCC cannot operate out of a residence — it requires a dedicated non-residential facility. This is the license for anyone opening a commercial or standalone center-based daycare operation.

If you’re unsure which license applies to your situation, call DFS directly at (307) 777-7564. Staff there can walk you through the distinctions and confirm what your planned enrollment size requires. Don’t sign a lease or commit to a facility before you know which license type you’ll be applying for.

Step 2: Form Your Wyoming LLC

File Articles of Organization online with the Wyoming Secretary of State at wyobiz.wyo.gov. Cost: $100. Processing typically takes 1-3 business days. An LLC is strongly recommended over operating as a sole proprietor — it creates a legal separation between your personal assets and business liabilities, which is especially important in a setting where children are in your care.

Wyoming’s LLC formation is already one of the most affordable in the country. There is no annual report fee for most LLCs. And because Wyoming has no state personal income tax and no state corporate income tax, profits flow through to the owner without any Wyoming-level tax return requirement. That’s a meaningful operating cost advantage compared to states like Colorado (4.4% flat PIT) or Idaho (5.8% top PIT) right across the border.

Apply for a free federal EIN from the IRS at IRS.gov immediately after your LLC is formed. You’ll need it to open a business bank account, pay employees, and file federal payroll taxes. The online EIN application takes less than 15 minutes and delivers the number immediately.

Step 3: Complete Background Checks

Wyoming DFS requires background checks for all adults connected to the child care facility before a license is issued. This includes all owners, directors, employees, and adult household members living in the home (for home-based facilities). The background check stack typically includes:

• Criminal background check: Required for all adults at or associated with the facility. Certain disqualifying offenses will prevent licensure.
• Sex offender registry check: All adult staff and household members must be screened against the Wyoming Sex Offender Registry.
• Out-of-state checks: If staff members have lived in other states, background checks may be required for those states as well.

Do not delay starting background checks. Processing can take time, and your license cannot be issued until all required checks are cleared. Plan for background check processing to begin at least 4-6 weeks before your intended opening date.

Step 4: Complete Required Training

TB Screening

All staff and adult household members (for home-based facilities) must complete a TB risk screening from a healthcare provider before beginning work at the facility. The screening result must be documented and kept in the facility’s records for DFS review.

Director Training

The director or owner must complete 6 training credits in child development, child care operations, or related topics, along with all required pre-service training before the license is issued. DFS-approved training providers offer these courses, and some are available online. Verify current training requirements directly with DFS, as training requirements are subject to update.

CPR and First Aid

Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification is required for all caregivers. Adult-only certifications do not satisfy this requirement. Plan for all staff to be certified before the facility opens. Refresher courses are typically required every two years.

Step 5: Meet DFS Chapter 11 Facility Standards

Indoor Space

Wyoming DFS Chapter 11 requires a minimum of 35 square feet of usable indoor space per child. This square footage does not include bathrooms, hallways, storage areas, kitchens, or areas not available for children’s use. Measure your available space carefully before committing to a facility or deciding on your maximum enrollment number.

Outdoor Play Space

If you provide care for 4 hours or more per day, your facility must have access to a minimum of 75 square feet of outdoor play space per child. If care is less than 4 hours per day, the outdoor requirement does not apply. The outdoor space should be safe, age-appropriate, and enclosed or supervised so children cannot leave the play area unsupervised.

Infant Safe Sleep

If you will serve infants, your facility must have dedicated safe sleep areas that comply with DFS requirements: firm, flat sleep surfaces, no soft bedding in cribs, and individual sleep spaces for each infant. Wyoming DFS follows standard safe sleep guidelines aligned with the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Other Safety Requirements

• Functioning smoke detectors and fire extinguishers
• Posted emergency evacuation plans
• Secure storage for cleaning supplies, medications, and hazardous materials
• Age-appropriate furniture and equipment
• Separate diapering and food preparation areas (where applicable)

Step 6: Apply Through ECARES

Since August 4, 2025, all Wyoming child care license applications are processed through the ECARES online portal. ECARES replaced the previous paper-based application process. To apply, go to dfs.wyo.gov and follow the ECARES application link.

Your application package will include your completed ECARES application form, proof of training and background check clearances, facility documentation (floor plan, space calculations), and other materials required by DFS. After your application is submitted, a DFS licensing representative will schedule an on-site inspection of your facility. The license is not issued until the inspection is completed and the facility passes.

Your DFS child care license is valid for 12 months and must be renewed annually. Licensing fees are approximately $50 at initial issuance and approximately $25 for annual renewal, though these figures come from secondary sources. Confirm current fees with DFS at (307) 777-7564 before budgeting.

Step 7: Register for Workers’ Compensation With DWS

If you hire any employees, Wyoming law requires you to register for workers’ compensation with the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services (DWS) before your first employee’s first day. Wyoming is one of a small number of monopolistic workers’ comp states in the country, meaning private insurance companies are not permitted to sell workers’ compensation policies in Wyoming. The only source is DWS. Registration is done through the WYUI portal at wyui.wyo.gov.

Your workers’ comp premium is calculated based on your payroll and your industry classification code. The relevant NCCI code for child care centers is typically 9059. DFS Chapter 11 specifically requires child care centers with employees to maintain workers’ compensation coverage, so this is not optional for staffed operations.

Wyoming Daycare Staff-to-Child Ratios (DFS Chapter 11)

Wyoming DFS Chapter 11 Health and Safety Requirements (updated April 2026) mandates specific staff-to-child ratios based on the age of children in care. These ratios must be maintained at all times, including during outdoor play, meals, and transitions between activities. When children of different ages are mixed together in one group, the ratio for the youngest child in the group applies to the entire group.

Age Group	Staff-to-Child Ratio	Maximum Group Size
Birth to 12 months	1:4	10
12 to 24 months	1:5	12
24 to 36 months	1:8	18
3-year-olds	1:10	24
4- and 5-year-olds	1:12	30
6 years and older (school-age)	1:18	40

Wyoming’s infant ratio of 1:4 is among the more restrictive in the Mountain West region, which has direct implications for your revenue math. An infant room with one staff member can hold no more than 4 infants (and no more than 10 total in the group). If you’re planning to serve infants, budget for the staffing cost accordingly, and price your infant care tuition to reflect the higher staffing ratio required.

The group size maximums are as important as the ratios. Even if you have enough staff to serve a larger group, you cannot exceed the maximum group sizes listed above. For planning purposes, these group size limits will often be the binding constraint in larger centers rather than the staff ratios themselves.

Quality Counts Wyoming: The Quality Rating System

Wyoming’s quality rating program for child care providers is called Quality Counts Wyoming. Unlike most states where the child care licensing agency also runs the QRIS, Wyoming has an unusual administrative split: Quality Counts is administered by the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services (DWS), while DFS handles licensing. This means there are two separate state agencies you need to work with as a Wyoming child care provider.

Quality Counts Wyoming is not a traditional published star-level system like you might see in Georgia (1-3 stars) or Virginia (VQB5 levels). The program focuses on supporting quality improvement and provides tiered reimbursement bonuses for licensed programs serving subsidy-eligible children at higher quality levels. Participating providers can earn additional payments on top of their base child care subsidy reimbursement rates when they demonstrate higher-quality practices.

If you plan to accept families who receive the Wyoming Child Care Subsidy, engaging with Quality Counts Wyoming is worth doing early. For current information on program requirements, bonus payment structures, and how to enroll, contact the DWS Business Training and Support Unit at (307) 777-2439. The structure and payment levels can change with state budget cycles, so verify current terms directly with DWS rather than relying on older published information.

Wyoming Child Care Subsidy Program

Wyoming’s child care subsidy program is administered by DFS and uses federal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) dollars to help lower-income working families pay for licensed child care. For daycare operators, subsidy-eligible families represent a meaningful revenue stream, especially given Wyoming’s documented child care shortage.

Key program details:

• Eligibility threshold: Families at or below 175% of the federal poverty level may qualify for subsidy assistance
• Work/education requirement: The family must have an active work, education, or training activity to receive subsidy support
• Average family copay: Approximately $147/month on average, with the subsidy covering the remainder of the provider’s rate
• Coverage gap: Only about 19% of income-eligible children statewide are currently served by the subsidy program, indicating that far more families qualify than can currently access support
• ECARES portal: Since August 4, 2025, families and providers manage subsidy enrollment through the same ECARES system used for licensing

The subsidy program’s low coverage rate is not an accident. Wyoming has a 30% statewide supply gap in licensed child care capacity. There simply aren’t enough licensed providers to serve all the families who need care, which means new providers entering the market can reasonably expect to fill slots quickly, especially in underserved communities. If you are located in an area with limited licensed child care options, you may receive referrals through DFS directly once your license is active.

Wyoming Child Care Market: Where the Demand Is

Wyoming is a low-population state with unique geographic and economic characteristics that directly shape child care demand. Understanding each major market helps you decide where to locate and how to position your program.

Cheyenne

Cheyenne (Laramie County, population approximately 65,000) is Wyoming’s capital and largest city. State government employment, Frontier Days tourism, and a mix of federal and private sector employers create a steady base of dual-income households that need child care. Cheyenne has the state’s largest concentration of licensed child care providers, but the supply gap still exists relative to the number of families who need care. A center in Cheyenne benefits from proximity to state agency referrals and a more established local child care referral network through DFS.

Casper

Casper (Natrona County, population approximately 59,000) is Wyoming’s second-largest city and its commercial hub for the oil and gas industry. Energy sector employment can be cyclical, but when production is active, energy workers’ families represent a high-demand, high-income market for quality child care. Casper has a younger workforce demographic than much of Wyoming, and the need for infant and toddler care is proportionally high. Providers serving the Natrona County area have access to both subsidy families and private-pay families with above-average incomes during oil boom periods.

Laramie

Laramie (Albany County, population approximately 33,000) is home to the University of Wyoming, the state’s only four-year university. UW graduate students, faculty, and staff represent a concentrated pool of families who need affordable, quality child care and who are often actively seeking subsidized options. The university community also has relatively consistent employment regardless of energy price cycles. A center near the UW campus that partners with the university’s family services office can build a stable enrollment base quickly.

Gillette

Gillette (Campbell County, population approximately 33,000) is Wyoming’s coal capital. The Powder River Basin coal industry drives the Gillette economy, and when mining activity is strong, Campbell County households have some of the highest median incomes in Wyoming. The child care shortage in Gillette has been documented in multiple state reports — the boom-and-bust nature of mining employment makes it difficult for providers to plan capacity, but it also means that during active periods, demand spikes and licensed providers can operate at full capacity. A Gillette provider willing to navigate the cyclical nature of the market can do very well during production peaks.

Jackson

Jackson (Teton County) is Wyoming’s highest-cost-of-living community, driven by tourism, resort employment, and second-home ownership. The child care shortage in Teton County is severe: the workforce that staffs Jackson’s hotels, restaurants, and ski operations consists largely of young adults with children who need care, but housing and operating costs make it difficult for providers to survive on subsidy-level reimbursement rates alone. A Jackson provider focused primarily on private-pay families can charge premium rates well above the state average. Teton County is one of the few Wyoming markets where infant care rates comparable to urban Colorado or Utah are commercially viable.

Cost to Start a Daycare in Wyoming

Home-Based Family Child Care Home (FCCH, 3-10 Children)

Item	Approximate Cost	Notes
LLC Formation (Secretary of State)	$100	One-time, online at wyobiz.wyo.gov
Federal EIN	Free	Online at IRS.gov, issued immediately
DFS FCCH License (initial)	~$50 (approximate)	Verify current fee with DFS at (307) 777-7564
DFS License Annual Renewal	~$25/year (approximate)	Verify current fee with DFS
Background checks (per person)	Varies	All adult staff and household members
TB screening (per person)	$25-$75	Required before employment
Pre-service and director training	Varies	6+ training credits required before licensing
CPR/First Aid certification (per person)	$50-$100	Pediatric certification required
General liability insurance	$1,500-$3,000/year	Child care-specific policy; standard homeowner’s policy will not cover business activities
Facility setup (childproofing, equipment, supplies)	$1,500-$8,000	Varies widely depending on existing equipment
Local business license (if required by city/county)	$20-$100	Check with your municipality
Estimated total: $3,500-$12,000 for a home-based FCCH

Small to Mid-Size Center (FCCC up to 15 children; CCC 16+ children)

Item	Approximate Cost	Notes
LLC Formation + EIN	$100	One-time
DFS CCC License (initial)	~$50 (approximate)	Verify current fee with DFS
Background checks (all staff)	Varies	All employees and directors
TB screenings (all staff)	$100-$400+	Depends on staff count
Director and staff training	$300-$1,500	Per-person costs vary by training provider
CPR/First Aid certification (all staff)	$250-$700+	$50-$100/person, depends on staff size
General liability insurance	$2,000-$4,000+/year	Child care-specific commercial policy
Workers’ compensation (DWS only)	Varies (payroll-based)	No private options; must register at wyui.wyo.gov
Lease deposit and build-out	$8,000-$40,000+	Highly location-dependent; highest in Jackson, lowest in smaller communities
Furniture, equipment, and supplies	$5,000-$20,000	Cribs, tables, play equipment, learning materials
Outdoor play area (if not already present)	$3,000-$12,000	75 sq ft per child required for programs 4+ hrs/day
Local business license	$25-$150	Cheyenne and Casper both have local business licensing
Marketing and signage	$300-$2,000	Website, social media presence, and local advertising
Estimated total: $20,000-$80,000 (small center); $80,000-$200,000 (larger center with full build-out)

Key Wyoming Agencies for Daycare Operators

Agency	Role	Contact
Wyoming Dept. of Family Services (DFS)	Child care licensing (FCCH, FCCC, CCC), Chapter 11 requirements, child care subsidy	(307) 777-7564
Wyoming DWS — WYUI Portal	Monopolistic workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance registration	(307) 235-3217
Wyoming DWS — Business Training and Support Unit	Quality Counts Wyoming QRIS, quality improvement support	(307) 777-2439
Wyoming Secretary of State	LLC formation, business entity registration	wyobiz.wyo.gov
Local Health Department	Health inspections (where required), TB screening referrals	Contact your county health department

Related Wyoming Business Guides

• Starting a Business in Wyoming: Complete Guide

← Back to all Wyoming business guides

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Wyoming law under W.S. § 14-4-101 requires a license from the Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS) if you care for more than two children who are not related to you. There are three license types: FCCH (Family Child Care Home, 3-10 children in your own residence), FCCC (Family Child Care Center, up to 15 children in a home or separate building), and CCC (Child Care Center, 16 or more children in a non-residential facility). Applications go through the ECARES portal at dfs.wyo.gov. Call DFS at (307) 777-7564 with questions.

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

Wyoming DFS Chapter 11 (updated April 2026) requires: 1:4 for infants birth-12 months (max group 10), 1:5 for toddlers 12-24 months (max 12), 1:8 for 24-36 months (max 18), 1:10 for 3-year-olds (max 24), 1:12 for 4-5-year-olds (max 30), and 1:18 for school-age 6 and older (max 40). When children of different ages are mixed, the ratio for the youngest child applies to the entire group.

What is the ECARES system and when did it launch?

ECARES is Wyoming’s online child care licensing and subsidy management portal. It launched on August 4, 2025, replacing the previous paper-based application process. New license applications, annual renewals, and child care subsidy enrollment are all managed through ECARES. Access it through the DFS website at dfs.wyo.gov.

What background checks are required for Wyoming daycare providers?

Wyoming DFS requires all owners, directors, employees, and adult household members (for home-based facilities) to complete criminal background checks and sex offender registry checks before a license is issued. Out-of-state checks may be required for individuals who have lived in other states. All background checks must be cleared before license approval, so start this process at least 4-6 weeks before your planned opening.

How does Wyoming’s monopolistic workers’ compensation work for daycares?

Wyoming is one of a small number of monopolistic workers’ compensation states, meaning private workers’ comp insurance is not available. If you hire any employees, you must register with the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services (DWS) through the WYUI portal at wyui.wyo.gov before your first employee starts work. Your premium is payroll-based and calculated by DWS. DFS Chapter 11 specifically requires licensed child care centers with employees to carry workers’ compensation coverage.

What is Quality Counts Wyoming and how does it differ from other states’ QRIS programs?

Quality Counts Wyoming is Wyoming’s quality rating program for child care providers, but it is administered by the Department of Workforce Services (DWS), not DFS. This is unusual — most states have their licensing and quality rating systems under the same agency. Quality Counts is not a traditional tiered star-rating system; it focuses on quality improvement support and offers tiered reimbursement bonuses for licensed programs that serve subsidy-eligible children at demonstrated quality levels. Contact the DWS Business Training and Support Unit at (307) 777-2439 for current program details.

How many eligible children are served by Wyoming’s child care subsidy?

Only about 19% of income-eligible children in Wyoming are currently served by the state’s child care subsidy program, and the state has an estimated 30% gap in overall licensed child care capacity. This means new licensed providers can expect genuine demand from families who lack access to care. The subsidy is available to families at or below 175% of the federal poverty level with an active work or education activity requirement. The average family copay is approximately $147/month.