Idaho Childcare Licensing
Idaho Childcare Staff-to-Child Ratios (2026)
Idaho sets a maximum staff-to-child ratio for each age band a licensed center serves. The strictest ratio applies to the youngest children: Under 24 months must be supervised at no looser than 2 points per child; max 12 points per staff member = up to 6 infants per staff (Idaho Code § 39-1109(4)). Meeting these ratios at all times is a core Idaho licensing condition.
Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamIdaho Staff-to-Child Ratios: The Specifics
In Idaho, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Under 24 months age group is 2 points per child; max 12 points per staff member = up to 6 infants per staff (Idaho Code § 39-1109(4)).
In Idaho, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 24 months to under 36 months age group is 1.33 points per child; max 12 points per staff = up to ~9 children per staff (Idaho Code § 39-1109(4)).
In Idaho, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 36 months to under 5 years age group is 0.923 of a point per child; max 12 points per staff = up to 13 children per staff (Idaho Code § 39-1109(4)).
In Idaho, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 5 years to under 13 years age group is 0.48 of a point per child; max 12 points per staff = up to 25 children per staff (Idaho Code § 39-1109(4)).
In Idaho, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the All ages (minimum staffing floor) age group is At least one adult employee must be present at all times when any child is in attendance (Idaho Code § 39-1109(3)); maximum 12 points per staff member overall (§ 39-1109(4)).
No statewide numeric group-size cap — Idaho defines "group size" as "the maximum number of children in one (1) group or classroom" (Idaho Code 39-1102(10)) but sets no numeric maximum per age band
Idaho Code 39-1102(10)
capacity is governed solely by the twelve (12)-point child:staff ratio system rather than a separate group-size limit (Idaho Code 39-1109(4)).
Idaho Code 39-1109(4)
Idaho Staff-to-Child Ratios at a Glance
| Under 24 months | 2 points per child; max 12 points per staff member = up to 6 infants per staff (Idaho Code § 39-1109(4)) |
|---|---|
| 24 months to under 36 months | 1.33 points per child; max 12 points per staff = up to ~9 children per staff (Idaho Code § 39-1109(4)) |
| 36 months to under 5 years | 0.923 of a point per child; max 12 points per staff = up to 13 children per staff (Idaho Code § 39-1109(4)) |
| 5 years to under 13 years | 0.48 of a point per child; max 12 points per staff = up to 25 children per staff (Idaho Code § 39-1109(4)) |
| All ages (minimum staffing floor) | At least one adult employee must be present at all times when any child is in attendance (Idaho Code § 39-1109(3)); maximum 12 points per staff member overall (§ 39-1109(4)) |
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Idaho Staff-to-Child Ratios: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the infant staff-to-child ratio in Idaho?
Idaho requires a staff-to-child ratio of 2 points per child; max 12 points per staff member = up to 6 infants per staff (Idaho Code § 39-1109(4)) for the Under 24 months age group.
Does Idaho cap maximum group size?
No statewide numeric group-size cap — Idaho defines "group size" as "the maximum number of children in one (1) group or classroom" (Idaho Code 39-1102(10)) but sets no numeric maximum per age band; capacity is governed solely by the twelve (12)-point child:staff ratio system rather than a separate group-size limit (Idaho Code 39-1109(4)).
How many staff do I need for my Idaho classroom?
Divide the number of children in each age group by the maximum ratio shown above, rounding up. Idaho ratios must be maintained continuously, including during naps, meals, and transitions.
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.