Idaho Childcare Licensing
Idaho Childcare License Exemption Threshold (2026)
Before you can legally care for children for pay in Idaho, you must know the license-exemption threshold — the point at which a child care license, registration, or certificate becomes mandatory. In Idaho a "family daycare home" providing daycare for six (6) or fewer children ("child" = person under thirteen (13)) is exempt from the basic daycare license; any person providing daycare for four (4) or more children in a family daycare home is not required to be licensed but must complete a criminal history/background check, and a license-required "daycare facility" begins at seven (7) or more children not related to the provider, with a "group daycare facility" defined as seven (7) to twelve (12) children (Idaho Code 39-1102(2),(5),(8),(9) and 39-1114(1)).
Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamIdaho License Exemption Threshold: The Specifics
In Idaho a "family daycare home" providing daycare for six (6) or fewer children ("child" = person under thirteen (13)) is exempt from the basic daycare license
"child" = person under thirteen (13)
any person providing daycare for four (4) or more children in a family daycare home is not required to be licensed but must complete a criminal history/background check, and a license-required "daycare facility" begins at seven (7) or more children not related to the provider, with a "group daycare facility" defined as seven (7) to twelve (12) children (Idaho Code 39-1102(2),(5),(8),(9) and 39-1114(1)).
Idaho Code 39-1102(2),(5),(8),(9) and 39-1114(1)
A "family daycare home" provides daycare for six (6) or fewer children and a "group daycare facility" for seven (7) to twelve (12) children
12
capacity is governed by a maximum allowable child:staff ratio of twelve (12) points per staff member (each child under twenty-four (24) months = 2 points), so a single provider may serve up to six (6) infants or twelve (12) points' worth of older children (Idaho Code 39-1102(8),(9) and 39-1109(4)).
Idaho Code 39-1102(8),(9) and 39-1109(4)
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Idaho License Exemption Threshold: Frequently Asked Questions
How many children can I care for in Idaho without a license?
In Idaho a "family daycare home" providing daycare for six (6) or fewer children ("child" = person under thirteen (13)) is exempt from the basic daycare license; any person providing daycare for four (4) or more children in a family daycare home is not required to be licensed but must complete a criminal history/background check, and a license-required "daycare facility" begins at seven (7) or more children not related to the provider, with a "group daycare facility" defined as seven (7) to twelve (12) children (Idaho Code 39-1102(2),(5),(8),(9) and 39-1114(1)).
What is the penalty for operating unlicensed in Idaho?
Operating above the Idaho exemption threshold without the required license, registration, or certificate is generally unlawful and can carry fines and cease-and-desist orders. Contact the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Division of Welfare (Self-Reliance) — daycare licensing; IdahoSTARS Customer Support Specialists collect documentation and assist applicants through the state licensing process on behalf of the Department about the correct credential before you begin.
Does Idaho offer a voluntary registration for small providers?
Some states let providers below the exemption threshold register voluntarily. Confirm whether Idaho offers a voluntary registry with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Division of Welfare (Self-Reliance) — daycare licensing; IdahoSTARS Customer Support Specialists collect documentation and assist applicants through the state licensing process on behalf of the Department.
Idaho childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Idaho administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Division of Welfare (Self-Reliance) — daycare licensing; IdahoSTARS Customer Support Specialists collect documentation and assist applicants through the state licensing process on behalf of the Department before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.