Licensed Daycare in Louisiana
Find the right daycare in Louisiana in under 5 minutes. 2,054 licensed centers — filter by age, cost, and subsidy. Verified weekly against Louisiana Department of Education — Licensing Division. Free, no signup.
Listings updated May 2026 from official Louisiana licensing records.
Louisiana childcare by the numbers
Louisiana Childcare Licensing
In Louisiana, all child care centers serving children outside the family home are required to be licensed by the Louisiana Department of Education — Licensing Division. Licensed centers undergo background checks, capacity inspections, and routine compliance reviews.
Minimum staff-to-child ratios are 1:5 for infants under 12 months, 1:8 for toddlers (12–35 months), and 1:14 for preschool (3–5 years). NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below the state minimum.
What's distinctive about Louisiana: Louisiana centralized licensing under the Department of Education in 2014, unusual nationally. The Early Childhood Care and Education Network (ECCEN) coordinates quality and CCAP statewide.
Quick licensing facts
- Regulator
- Louisiana Department of Education — Licensing Division
- Infant ratio
- 1:5
- Toddler ratio
- 1:8
- Preschool ratio
- 1:14
- Avg infant cost
- $870/mo
- Avg preschool cost
- $680/mo
Louisiana Daycare Costs by Age (2026)
Infant care in Louisiana runs about $10,440/year. Family daycare homes typically cost 10–30% less than centers; Head Start is free for income-eligible families. Toddler & school-age figures are estimates derived from Louisiana center averages.
Estimate your exact costHow to Get Childcare Help in Louisiana
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Check eligibility for Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). Most Louisiana families earning up to ~85% of state median income qualify for childcare subsidy assistance.
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Apply early — waitlists are common. Quality infant programs in Louisiana often have 3–12 month waitlists. Start during pregnancy if you can. Intake line: (225) 342-3947.
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Stack federal help. The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit (20–35% of up to $6,000) and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 pre-tax) apply regardless of state subsidy.
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Verify the license before you sign. Confirm current status in the Louisiana Department of Education — Licensing Division database and tour during operating hours.
Top Cities for Daycare in Louisiana
View all cities →Louisiana Childcare Subsidies & Tax Credits
Louisiana families can apply for Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) based on income and work/school status. Federal programs — the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 cap), and Head Start — stack on top of state assistance.
Local intake line: (225) 342-3947
Official Louisiana & Federal Resources
Independently verify any provider, check subsidy eligibility, and access national child-care databases — all official .gov sources.
Daycare in Louisiana — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know a daycare in Louisiana is licensed?
What is the staff-to-child ratio in Louisiana?
How much does daycare cost in Louisiana?
Are subsidies available for childcare in Louisiana?
How do I report unsafe conditions at a Louisiana daycare?
Where to get childcare help in Louisiana
Free, official channels for finding licensed care, checking quality ratings, and applying for assistance — no account or fee required.
Child Care Resource & Referral counselors help you find vetted local options.
1-800-424-2246 · Find yoursUnited Way's free, confidential line connects you to local childcare, food, and family aid.
Call 211 · 211.orgFree early education for income-eligible families and pregnant women.
Find a programChild Care Assistance Program (CCAP) can cover most of your childcare cost by income.
(225) 342-3947 · How to applyCheck NAEYC accreditation and your state's quality-rating (QRIS) for any provider.
Find quality careConfirm any provider's current license & inspection record with Louisiana Department of Education — Licensing Division.
Official license searchHow this data is sourced. Listings for Louisiana are compiled from official Louisiana Department of Education — Licensing Division licensing records and cross-checked for current license status — not paid placements or user star-ratings. Rankings never depend on advertising. Provider details change often, so always confirm directly before enrolling. Reviewed by the DaycareHub editorial team · May 2026 · methodology
Search 2,054 Licensed Louisiana Centers
Free, no signup, filter by age and subsidy acceptance.