How to start a home daycare in Idaho.

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare oversees home daycares in Idaho. These are the kinds it allows and the steps, each with the state's own page.

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

The kinds of home daycare Idaho allows

Family daycare home
Fewer than 7 children
A state license is optional. You may choose to get one.
Source: Idaho Code 39-1114: Limited applications
Group daycare facility
7 to 12 children
Can run in a home or another place.
Source: Idaho Code 39-1102: Definitions

Check local zoning first
Ask your city or county planning and zoning office if local rules could stop you.
Source: Becoming a Child Care Provider
Apply through IdahoSTARS
Send your license application to IdahoSTARS. It processes every state child care license application.
Source: Becoming a Child Care Provider
Clear background checks
You, your staff and everyone 13 or older often in your home must clear a background check.
Source: Becoming a Child Care Provider
Send insurance and a fire inspection
Send proof of liability and fire insurance. Add a copy of your approved fire safety inspection.
Source: Becoming a Child Care Provider
Show you meet local rules
Send proof that you follow your city and county rules.
Source: Becoming a Child Care Provider
Send CPR and first aid cards
Send your pediatric rescue breathing, infant and child CPR, and first aid certifications.
Source: Becoming a Child Care Provider
Pass the health inspection
When you are ready, your public health district contacts you to do the health inspection.
Source: Becoming a Child Care Provider

Who oversees home daycares: Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Issues state child care licenses. IdahoSTARS staff collect your papers and help you through the process.Source: Becoming a Child Care Provider
Who needs a license: Care for 7 or more children, with pay for at least oneSource: Becoming a Child Care Provider
Background check without a license: Needed once you care for 4 or more childrenSource: Idaho Code 39-1114: Limited applications
CPR and first aid: From a certified instructor; online courses do not countSource: Becoming a Child Care Provider
License length: Two yearsSource: Idaho Code 39-1106: Issuance of license, renewal
Your age: 18 or olderSource: Idaho Code 39-1104: Application for license, fire safety and health inspections

Cities and counties may make their own child care rules on top of state law.Source: Becoming a Child Care Provider
Local rules may cover building, electrical, and planning and zoning codes.Source: Becoming a Child Care Provider

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

How to start a daycare in Idaho
Opening a child care center: the steps and the agency.
Idaho licensing guide
Ratios, trainings and the checklist the state asks for.
Child care grants in Idaho
Grants the state runs for providers.
Daycare startup costs in Idaho
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 home daycare in Idaho?

The first step: Check local zoning first. All 7 steps are on this page, each with the state's own link.

Who oversees home daycares in Idaho?

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Issues state child care licenses. IdahoSTARS staff collect your papers and help you through the process.

How many children can a home daycare in Idaho care for?

Family daycare home: Fewer than 7 children. Group daycare facility: 7 to 12 children.

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.