Daycare / Child Care Center Permit Requirements in New Haven, CT

Complete permit and license guide for starting a daycare / child care center in New Haven, New Haven County, Connecticut.

Updated 2026-03-15 6 stops $500–$2,000 est. 8–16 weeks to obtain all licenses and pass inspections
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Connecticut

2 stops

  1. Connecticut Department of Revenue Services — Sales Tax Permit

    Required for all businesses selling tangible personal property or taxable services in Connecticut. Connecticut charges a 6.35% state sales tax. Certain services are also taxable in Connecticut, which has a broader sales tax base than many states. Register with the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online via myconneCT)

  2. Connecticut Background Check Requirement

    All staff, volunteers, and household members (for family daycares) in Connecticut child care facilities must undergo criminal background checks through the state and FBI.

    Official government source

    $25–$75 per person1–4 weeks

City of New Haven / New Haven County

3 stops

  1. Connecticut Office of Early Childhood — Child Care Center License

    Child care centers in Connecticut must be licensed by the Office of Early Childhood. Requires background checks, health and fire inspections, and staff-to-child ratio compliance. Extensive documentation required.

    Official government source

    $50–$200 depending on capacity8–16 weeks

  2. City of New Haven Department of Licenses and Inspections — Business License

    New Haven requires a Certificate of Zoning Compliance and business-specific licenses for regulated industries. The Department of Licenses and Inspections issues permits for businesses operating within city limits. This license must be renewed annually and displayed at your place of business.

    Official government source

    $50–$500/year depending on business type and gross revenues1–3 weeks

  3. New Haven County / New Haven Building and Fire Safety Inspection

    Child care centers must pass building inspections for safety, ADA accessibility, fire suppression, and appropriate child-proofing standards. Conducted by local fire marshal and building department.

    Official government source

    $100–$3002–6 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $500–$2,000 · 8–16 weeks to obtain all licenses and pass inspections

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Official Sources

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