Home Daycare: Cleveland vs Parma
How do home daycare rules compare between Cleveland, OH and Parma, OH?
Parma 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 →Parma, OH
Cuyahoga County
Parma permits Type B family daycare homes (up to 6 children) in residential districts as home occupations under Codified Ordinance 1133, subject to Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) certification per ORC Chapter 5104.
View full Parma rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cleveland | Parma |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Home | - | Up to 6 children by right |
| Type A Home | - | 7-12 children, conditional use |
| State Law | - | ORC Chapter 5104 |
| Certification | - | ODJFS required |
| Code Section | - | Parma CO 1133 |
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.
Parma FAQ
Do I need a Parma permit to run a home daycare?
Type B homes (6 or fewer children) need ODJFS certification and must register with Parma Building Department. Type A homes require a conditional use permit from Planning Commission.
Who enforces this in Parma?
Parma at (440) 885-8000 handles most complaints.
Compare other topics
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