Idaho Childcare Licensing Requirements (2026)

Idaho 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 Idaho Code § 39-1110(8)-(9) (smoking/alcohol prohibited and inspector access 'during the daycare facility's hours of operation'); Idaho Code § 39-1102(3) (definition of 'daycare' as care during part of a 24-hour day — definitional context only; § 39-1102 contains no standalone hours-of-operation definition).

Idaho Code § 39-1110(8)-(9) (smoking/alcohol prohibited and inspector access 'during the daycare facility's hours of operation'); Idaho Code § 39-1102(3) (definition of 'daycare' as care during part of a 24-hour day — definitional context only; § 39-1102 contains no standalone hours-of-operation definition)

Idaho 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 Idaho Code § 39-1110A (Behavior Management and Discipline).

Idaho Code § 39-1110A (Behavior Management and Discipline)

Idaho childcare centers must include a written Illness and Exclusion Policy section in the parent handbook (Symptoms requiring exclusion; readmission criteria; communicable disease procedures.) per Idaho Code § 39-1118(4) (exclusion of non-compliant/exempt children, including during disease outbreak) and Idaho Code § 39-1110(3),(9) (diaper changing to prevent spread of communicable diseases; inspector access for communicable-disease control); IDAPA 16.06.03.380.10 (Diaper Changing — prevent spread of communicable diseases).

Idaho Code § 39-1118(4) (exclusion of non-compliant/exempt children, including during disease outbreak) and Idaho Code § 39-1110(3),(9) (diaper changing to prevent spread of communicable diseases; inspector access for communicable-disease control); IDAPA 16.06.03.380.10 (Diaper Changing — prevent spread of communicable diseases)

Idaho 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 IDAPA 16.06.03.380.20 (Medication — parent/caretaker authorization required; medications in locked or inaccessible storage); Idaho Code § 39-1110(7) (medicines stored out of reach of children).

IDAPA 16.06.03.380.20 (Medication — parent/caretaker authorization required; medications in locked or inaccessible storage); Idaho Code § 39-1110(7) (medicines stored out of reach of children)

Idaho childcare centers must include a written Emergency Procedures section in the parent handbook (Fire, severe weather, lockdown, and medical emergency procedures; evacuation routes.) per IDAPA 16.06.03.380.19 (Disaster and Emergency Planning) and IDAPA 16.06.03.363 (Fire Safety and Evacuation Plans).

IDAPA 16.06.03.380.19 (Disaster and Emergency Planning) and IDAPA 16.06.03.363 (Fire Safety and Evacuation Plans)

Idaho 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 IDAPA 16.06.03.201.06 (Times, Dates, and Record of Attendance Each Day — sign-in/out records, electronic or manual, including the signature of a parent or guardian).

IDAPA 16.06.03.201.06 (Times, Dates, and Record of Attendance Each Day — sign-in/out records, electronic or manual, including the signature of a parent or guardian)

Which agency regulates childcare licensing in Idaho?

Childcare licensing in Idaho is regulated by 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. Official licensing information is published at https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/providers/child-care-providers/becoming-child-care-provider.

How many handbook policy sections does Idaho require?

Idaho 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 Idaho inspect licensed childcare centers?

Health and safety inspections are conducted annually by a qualified inspector designated by the Department and are unannounced (IDAPA 16.06.03.380). Fire safety inspections are completed by the local fire official or designee (a fire department or fire district official) at application/renewal (IDAPA 16.06.03.360.01; Idaho Code § 39-1104). A daycare license must be renewed every two (2) years (IDAPA 16.06.03.121.10). The Department may access the premises and records for reinspection at any time during the licensing period (IDAPA 16.06.03.420.01). Immunization-compliance inspections may be conducted with at least 30 days' notice (Idaho Code § 39-1118(5)).

What happens if a Idaho center is out of compliance?

Operating a daycare facility without first obtaining a basic daycare license is a misdemeanor (Idaho Code § 39-1115(1)); if found operating without a license, the licensing agency may grant a grace period of no more than 60 days to come into compliance (§ 39-1115(2)). Operating a family daycare home for 4+ children without obtaining and passing the required criminal history check is a misdemeanor (§ 39-1115(3)) — on an initial citation, the complaint is dismissed if the person makes the required applications within 20 days. Providing daycare services after a guilty finding for a § 39-1113 disqualifying offense is a misdemeanor (§ 39-1115(4)). Violations are prosecuted by the county prosecuting attorney (§ 39-1116). The Department may deny, suspend, or revoke a license for noncompliance (Idaho Code § 39-1113; application denial procedures at IDAPA 16.06.03.123). Idaho Code Title 39 Ch. 11 sets no specific dollar fine schedule; general misdemeanor penalties apply (commonly cited as Idaho Code § 18-113, up to 6 months jail and/or up to $1,000 fine — that general-penalty cross-reference not independently verified).