Pennsylvania Childcare Licensing
Pennsylvania Childcare Licensing Requirements (2026)
Pennsylvania childcare licensing is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Bureau of Certification Services. A licensed Pennsylvania center must maintain a parent handbook covering 13 state-mandated policy areas, each tied to a specific administrative-code citation. Annual unannounced inspection; complaint-based inspections
Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamPennsylvania Licensing Requirements: The Specifics
Pennsylvania childcare centers must include a written Hours of Operation section in the parent handbook (Days and hours the facility is open; holiday closures; late pick-up policy.) per Pennsylvania Code 55 Pa. Code §3270.151.
Pennsylvania Code 55 Pa. Code §3270.151
Pennsylvania childcare centers must include a written Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy section in the parent handbook (Positive guidance techniques used; prohibited discipline methods; progressive steps.) per Pennsylvania Code 55 Pa. Code §3270.36.
Pennsylvania Code 55 Pa. Code §3270.36
Pennsylvania childcare centers must include a written Illness and Exclusion Policy section in the parent handbook (Symptoms requiring exclusion; readmission criteria; communicable disease procedures.) per Pennsylvania Code 55 Pa. Code §3270.131.
Pennsylvania Code 55 Pa. Code §3270.131
Pennsylvania childcare centers must include a written Medication Administration Policy section in the parent handbook (Procedures for administering prescription and non-prescription medications; authorization requirements.) per Pennsylvania Code 55 Pa. Code §3270.133.
Pennsylvania Code 55 Pa. Code §3270.133
Pennsylvania childcare centers must include a written Emergency Procedures section in the parent handbook (Fire, severe weather, lockdown, and medical emergency procedures; evacuation routes.) per Pennsylvania Code 55 Pa. Code §3270.122.
Pennsylvania Code 55 Pa. Code §3270.122
Pennsylvania childcare centers must include a written Arrival and Departure Procedures section in the parent handbook (Sign-in/sign-out requirements; authorized pick-up persons; late pick-up fees.) per Pennsylvania Code 55 Pa. Code §3270.117.
Pennsylvania Code 55 Pa. Code §3270.117
Pennsylvania Licensing Requirements at a Glance
| Hours of Operation | Pennsylvania Code 55 Pa. Code §3270.151 |
|---|---|
| Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy | Pennsylvania Code 55 Pa. Code §3270.36 |
| Illness and Exclusion Policy | Pennsylvania Code 55 Pa. Code §3270.131 |
| Medication Administration Policy | Pennsylvania Code 55 Pa. Code §3270.133 |
| Emergency Procedures | Pennsylvania Code 55 Pa. Code §3270.122 |
| Arrival and Departure Procedures | Pennsylvania Code 55 Pa. Code §3270.117 |
| Nutrition and Meals Policy | Pennsylvania Code 55 Pa. Code §3270.141 |
| Parent Communication Policy | Pennsylvania Code 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(a) |
| Grievance and Complaint Procedure | Pennsylvania Code 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(b) |
| Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting | Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law 23 Pa.C.S. §6311; 55 Pa. Code §3270.31 |
| Enrollment, Fees, and Payment Policy | Pennsylvania Code 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(c) |
| Health and Safety Policies | Pennsylvania Code 55 Pa. Code §3270.123 |
| Nondiscrimination Policy | Pennsylvania Human Relations Act; 55 Pa. Code §3270.14 |
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Pennsylvania Licensing Requirements: Frequently Asked Questions
Which agency regulates childcare licensing in Pennsylvania?
Childcare licensing in Pennsylvania is regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Bureau of Certification Services. Official licensing information is published at https://www.dhs.pa.gov/providers/Providers/Pages/Child-Care.aspx.
How many handbook policy sections does Pennsylvania require?
Pennsylvania requires at least 13 mandatory policy sections in a licensed center's parent handbook, each backed by a specific state regulatory citation.
How often does Pennsylvania inspect licensed childcare centers?
Annual unannounced inspection; complaint-based inspections
What happens if a Pennsylvania center is out of compliance?
Fines up to $5,000/day; provisional, suspended, or revoked certificate under Human Services Code §1026
Pennsylvania childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Pennsylvania administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Bureau of Certification Services before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.