2017 Child Care Licensing Study

The role of licensing in the early care and education system is to provide a mandatory baseline of program standards and monitoring that provides children protection from physical harm and enhance learning and development. Within the early care and education system, licensing covers the broadest content, the largest number of children ages birth to school-age, and the largest population of providers.

The full 2017 report and survey instrument can be accessed using the following links:

2017 Full Report

2017 Licensing Study Survey

Using data compiled from state child care licensing regulations and the results of a survey of state licensing agencies administered by the National Association for Regulatory Administration (NARA), the research briefs examine the state of licensing in 2017 and identify trends that have become apparent during several years of data collection. The findings provide evidence that States are making positive changes in their licensing requirements and policies to protect the health and safety of children in out-of-home care.

The licensing study and research briefs are a joint effort between the National Association for Regulatory Administration (NARA) and the National Center on Early Childhood Quality Assurance. The following briefs are being disseminated in conjunction with the National Center on Early Childhood Quality Assurance.