Home Daycare: Cleveland vs Lakewood
How do home daycare rules compare between Cleveland, OH and Lakewood, OH?
Lakewood has fewer restrictions than Cleveland.
Cleveland, OH
Cuyahoga County
Home daycare in Cleveland is regulated by Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5104 through the Ohio Department of Children and Youth. Type A home daycares serve 7 to 12 children and require state licensing. Type B home providers serve up to 6 children and must be certified. Cleveland zoning allows licensed home daycare as a home occupation subject to standard conditions.
View full Cleveland rules →Lakewood, OH
Cuyahoga County
Lakewood allows in-home daycare as a conditional home occupation under Codified Ordinance Chapter 1127. Type A (7-12 children) and Type B (up to 6 children) family child care homes must be licensed by Ohio Department of Job and Family Services per ORC Chapter 5104 and meet Lakewood zoning requirements.
View full Lakewood rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cleveland | Lakewood |
|---|---|---|
| Type A license | 7 to 12 children, state licensed | - |
| Type B certification | Up to 6 children, county certified | - |
| State agency | Ohio Department of Children and Youth | - |
| Training | 30 hours plus CPR, first aid, communicable disease | - |
| Background checks | BCI and FBI required | - |
| Type B | - | Up to 6 children ODJFS registration |
| Type A | - | 7-12 children ODJFS license required |
| Zoning | - | Lakewood C.O. 1127.03 home occupation |
| State Law | - | ORC Chapter 5104 |
| Fire Inspection | - | Required for Type A |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Cleveland FAQ
How many children can I watch without any license?
Under Ohio law a Type B home caring for three or fewer unrelated children without public funding may operate without certification, but any care beyond that requires certification or licensing.
Do I need a Cleveland permit?
Zoning treats a Type B home daycare as a home occupation. Licensing and inspections come from the state and county, not a separate city permit.
Can I run a daycare in a rental?
Yes, with the property owner written permission and compliance with fire and safety inspections.
Lakewood FAQ
Do I need a Lakewood permit in addition to my ODJFS license?
Yes. File a home occupation registration with Lakewood Division of Planning and Development and pass a Lakewood Fire Department inspection for Type A homes.
Who enforces this in Lakewood?
Lakewood at (216) 529-4000 handles most complaints.
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