Daycare / Child Care Center Permit Requirements in Baton Rouge, LA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a daycare / child care center in Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge County, Louisiana.

$500 -- $2000 8–16 weeks to obtain all licenses and pass inspections 6 requirements

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: .

Baton Rouge / East Baton Rouge County Requirements

3 requirements
1

Louisiana Department of Education — Child Care Center License

Child care centers in Louisiana must be licensed by the Louisiana Department of Education, Bureau of Family Support. Requires background checks, health and fire safety inspections, and compliance with staff-to-child ratio requirements.

$50–$150 depending on capacity6–12 weeks
Official government source
2

City of Baton Rouge / Parish of East Baton Rouge Department of Finance — Business License

Baton Rouge requires an Occupational License from the Parish for all businesses. Certain regulated businesses require additional permits from the Department of Development. This license must be renewed annually and displayed at your place of business.

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

East Baton Rouge County / Baton Rouge 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.

$100–$3002–6 weeks
Official government source

Louisiana State Requirements

2 requirements
1

Louisiana Department of Revenue — Sales Tax Registration

Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in Louisiana. Louisiana's state sales tax rate is 4.45%. Louisiana has a complex tax structure with local parish sales taxes that can bring the total rate to 8–12%. Register with the Louisiana Department of Revenue and separately with each applicable parish.

Free1–5 business days (online)
Official government source
2

Louisiana Background Check Requirement

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

$25–$75 per person1–4 weeks
Official government source

Federal Requirements

1 requirement
1

EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

FreeImmediate (online application)
Official government source

Official Sources

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