How to start a daycare in Utah.

Utah Department of Health and Human Services licenses child care centers in Utah. These are the steps, each with the state's own page.

Steps checked on the state's own pages, November 4, 2026.

Opening a child care center in Utah, step by step

Check that you need a license
Care for five or more children outside your own home needs a state license.
Source: Utah Code 26B-2-403: Licensure requirements, expiration, renewal
Pick a building that fits the code
Your building must meet the building code rules for a child care center.
Source: Utah Code 15A-3-103: Amendments to Chapters 4 through 6 of IBC (Section 429, Day Care)
Plan enough indoor and outdoor space
State rules set the least space you need indoors and outdoors. Every child through age 12 counts.
Source: Utah Code 26B-2-402: Duties of the department, enforcement of part, licensing committee requirements
Follow the day care fire rules
Every day care must follow the state fire rules for day care, R710-8.
Source: Utah Code 15A-3-103: Amendments to Chapters 4 through 6 of IBC (Section 429, Day Care)
Post a fire escape plan
Write a fire escape plan and post it where people can see it. Train all staff on it.
Source: Utah Code 15A-3-103: Amendments to Chapters 4 through 6 of IBC (Section 429, Day Care)
Submit background checks
Send names and fingerprints for owners, directors, board members, staff and volunteers. Parent volunteers are not included.
Source: Utah Code 26B-2-406: Disqualified individuals, criminal history checks, payment of costs
Get your license
Once you meet the law and the state rules, the department may license you. A license lasts up to 24 months.
Source: Utah Code 26B-2-403: Licensure requirements, expiration, renewal

Who licenses centers: Utah Department of Health and Human Services. Enforces the state licensing rules for child care centers.Source: Utah Code 26B-2-402: Duties of the department, enforcement of part, licensing committee requirements
Ages counted as children: Under 13, or under 18 with a disabilitySource: Utah Code 26B-2-401: Definitions (Child Care Licensing)
Four or fewer children: No center license needed unless you ask for oneSource: Utah Code 26B-2-405: Exclusions from part, criminal background checks by an excluded person
Selling or passing on a license: Not allowedSource: Utah Code 26B-2-403: Licensure requirements, expiration, renewal
Rules for centers: Utah Administrative Code R381-100Source: Utah Code 15A-3-103: Amendments to Chapters 4 through 6 of IBC (Section 429, Day Care)

A program only for children age five and up follows the out-of-school-time rules, R381-70.Source: Utah Code 15A-3-103: Amendments to Chapters 4 through 6 of IBC (Section 429, Day Care)

Run a program in Utah? Bloomily handles enrollment, billing, check-in and family messages. See how it works

How to start a home daycare in Utah
The kinds of home daycare the state allows, and the steps.
Utah licensing guide
Ratios, trainings and the checklist the state asks for.
Child care grants in Utah
Grants the state runs for providers.
Daycare startup costs in Utah
Revenue, staff pay and rent from your own numbers.
Daycare business plan
How to write a plan for funding and licensing.
Tuition calculator
Typical rates by state and age group.
Ratio calculator
Staff needed for each age group, by state.

How do I start a daycare in Utah?

The first step: Check that you need a license. All 7 steps are on this page, each with the state's own link.

Who licenses child care centers in Utah?

Utah Department of Health and Human Services. Enforces the state licensing rules for child care centers.

Steps checked on the state's own pages, November 4, 2026.

This page is a summary of the state's own pages. It is not legal advice, and rules change.

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