Licensed Daycare in Vermont
Find the right daycare in Vermont in under 5 minutes. 429 licensed centers — filter by age, cost, and subsidy. Verified weekly against Vermont DCF — Child Development Division. Free, no signup.
Listings updated May 2026 from official Vermont licensing records.
Vermont childcare by the numbers
Vermont Childcare Licensing
In Vermont, all child care centers serving children outside the family home are required to be licensed by the Vermont DCF — Child Development Division. Licensed centers undergo background checks, capacity inspections, and routine compliance reviews.
Minimum staff-to-child ratios are 1:4 for infants under 12 months, 1:5 for toddlers (12–35 months), and 1:10 for preschool (3–5 years). NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below the state minimum.
What's distinctive about Vermont: Vermont has scarce supply outside Burlington and Montpelier. CCFAP subsidies cover up to $200/week per child for income-eligible families; the state pays providers above-market rates to retain teachers.
Quick licensing facts
- Regulator
- Vermont DCF — Child Development Division
- Infant ratio
- 1:4
- Toddler ratio
- 1:5
- Preschool ratio
- 1:10
- Avg infant cost
- $1,380/mo
- Avg preschool cost
- $1,080/mo
Vermont Daycare Costs by Age (2026)
Infant care in Vermont runs about $16,560/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 Vermont center averages.
Estimate your exact costHow to Get Childcare Help in Vermont
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Check eligibility for Vermont Child Care Financial Assistance Program (CCFAP). Most Vermont 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 Vermont often have 3–12 month waitlists. Start during pregnancy if you can. Intake line: (800) 649-2642.
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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 Vermont DCF — Child Development Division database and tour during operating hours.
Vermont Childcare Subsidies & Tax Credits
Vermont families can apply for Vermont Child Care Financial Assistance Program (CCFAP) 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: (800) 649-2642
Official Vermont & Federal Resources
Independently verify any provider, check subsidy eligibility, and access national child-care databases — all official .gov sources.
Daycare in Vermont — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know a daycare in Vermont is licensed?
What is the staff-to-child ratio in Vermont?
How much does daycare cost in Vermont?
Are subsidies available for childcare in Vermont?
How do I report unsafe conditions at a Vermont daycare?
Where to get childcare help in Vermont
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 programVermont Child Care Financial Assistance Program (CCFAP) can cover most of your childcare cost by income.
(800) 649-2642 · 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 Vermont DCF — Child Development Division.
Official license searchHow this data is sourced. Listings for Vermont are compiled from official Vermont DCF — Child Development 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 429 Licensed Vermont Centers
Free, no signup, filter by age and subsidy acceptance.