To be considered a family day-care home, what is the maximum allowable number of clients?

The maximum allowable number of clients for a family day-care home varies by state and territory, but generally ranges from four to six children unrelated to the operator. A family day-care home is a facility in which a small group of children receive child care services in the provider’s own home, such as a house, apartment, or condo unit1. To ensure a safe care environment, states and territories use child care licensing regulations to limit the number of children, as well as the number of infants and toddlers, that can receive care in a family day-care home1. Some states and territories may also offer certification or registration to help ensure some basic health and safety standards in certain home-based child care programs1. To learn more about how your state or territory regulates family day-care homes, you can visit the child care consumer education website and child care resource and referral agency for your state or territory1. References:

Family Child Care Homes | Childcare.gov