Daycare / Child Care Center Permit Requirements in Columbus, OH

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required to hire employees and file payroll taxes. Obtained free from the IRS. Also needed for business bank accounts.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

2. USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) — Optional but Recommended

   Licensed child care centers may participate in the USDA CACFP, which reimburses nutritious meals and snacks served to children. In Ohio it is administered by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (Student Supports — Food and Nutrition). Not required, but it provides significant financial benefits.

   Official government source

   Free to apply (reimbursement program)·4–8 weeks to enroll

   Free to apply (reimbursement program)

   4–8 weeks to enroll

1. Ohio Department of Children and Youth (ODCY) - Child Care Center License

   All child care centers in Ohio must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Children and Youth (ODCY). Licensing of child care centers was transferred from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) to the newly created ODCY, effective January 2025. The license requires background checks for all employees, staff-to-child ratio compliance, facility inspections, and approval of policies and procedures. This is the primary state license.

   Official government source

   $200–$500/year (based on licensed capacity)·3–6 months (full application and inspection process)

   $200–$500/year (based on licensed capacity)

   3–6 months (full application and inspection process)

2. Ohio BCI and FBI Background Checks

   All child care center owners, administrators, and employees must complete Ohio BCI and FBI criminal records checks through a WebCheck provider. These are required as part of the Ohio Department of Children and Youth licensing process (child care licensing moved from ODJFS to the Department of Children and Youth); ORC 5104.013 requires the checks at initial application for employment and every five years thereafter.

   Official government source

   Varies by WebCheck provider — the BCI and FBI checks are billed separately and providers add their own fee; confirm with your chosen WebCheck location·2–4 weeks per person

   Varies by WebCheck provider — the BCI and FBI checks are billed separately and providers add their own fee; confirm with your chosen WebCheck location

   2–4 weeks per person

3. Ohio Department of Health — Child Care Immunization Requirements

   Ohio law requires child care centers to verify that enrolled children are up to date on immunizations per the Ohio Department of Health vaccination schedule. Centers must maintain immunization records and submit annual compliance reports.

   Official government source

   No direct cost (administrative compliance)·Ongoing compliance

   No direct cost (administrative compliance)

   Ongoing compliance

1. Columbus Building Permit and Certificate of Occupancy

   A daycare facility in Columbus must obtain a Building Permit and Certificate of Occupancy from the Columbus Building and Zoning Services Division. The facility must meet all building code requirements for child care use, including restroom-to-child ratios, exit provisions, and space requirements. Zoning approval for child care use is also required.

   Official government source

   $500–$2,000 (varies by square footage and scope of work)·4–8 weeks

   $500–$2,000 (varies by square footage and scope of work)

   4–8 weeks

2. Columbus Fire Department — Fire Inspection and Approval

   All childcare facilities in Columbus must pass a fire safety inspection by the Columbus Division of Fire. This includes review of fire suppression systems, egress routes, fire extinguisher placement, and smoke detector installation. Required before occupancy.

   Official government source

   $100–$300·2–4 weeks

   $100–$300

   2–4 weeks

3. Columbus Public Health — Child Care Sanitation Inspection

   Columbus Public Health conducts sanitation and environmental health inspections of child care facilities. This includes review of food safety practices (if meals are served), water supply, waste disposal, and general sanitation conditions.

   Official government source

   $50–$150·2–4 weeks

   $50–$150

   2–4 weeks

Official Sources

• Ohio ODJFS — Child Care Licensing
• Columbus Building and Zoning Services
• Ohio Attorney General — BCI Background Check
• Ohio Department of Health — Immunization Requirements
• USDA CACFP — Child Care Centers

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