Ada County, ID Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)
Key Facts
- Family daycare home
- 6 or fewer children
- Group daycare facility
- 7 to 12 children
- Daycare center
- 13 or more children
- Background checks
- Required for 4+ children
- Standards
- IDAPA 16.06.02
Summary
Idaho defines a family daycare home as caring for six or fewer children, a group daycare facility for 7-12, and a daycare center for 13 or more. Providers for four or more children face state background-check requirements; local city/county licensing may also apply, plus Ada County home-occupation zoning.
"Family daycare home" means a home, place or facility providing daycare for six (6) or fewer children. "Group daycare facility" means a home, place or facility providing daycare for seven (7) to twelve (12) children. "Daycare center" means a place or facility providing daycare for compensation for thirteen (13) or more children.
Full Breakdown
Under Idaho Code 39-1102, a 'family daycare home' serves six or fewer children, a 'group daycare facility' 7-12, and a 'daycare center' 13 or more. State licensing (Idaho Code Title 39, Ch. 11) and criminal-history checks apply to daycare providers; anyone caring for four or more children must meet the background-check and safety requirements. Child care standards are detailed in IDAPA 16.06.02. In unincorporated Ada County, a home daycare is also a home occupation subject to Title 8 zoning limits on traffic, parking, and signage. Cities may require their own daycare license.
Violations & Fines
Operating an unlicensed daycare above the exempt threshold, or without required background checks, is a violation subject to state and local enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many kids can I watch at home without a center license?
Does zoning also apply to a home daycare?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ada County
Compare Ada County to another location·View the Idaho home business overview
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