Tennessee Department of Human Services licenses home-based childcare. Memphis family home daycares caring for 5 or more unrelated children must be state-licensed and meet local zoning. Home daycares with 4 or fewer children operate under reduced regulation but must follow safety basics.
Tennessee regulates home-based childcare through the Department of Human Services. Family Child Care Homes (5-7 children) and Group Child Care Homes (8-12 children) require state licensing, which includes inspections, background checks, staff ratios, fire-safety compliance, and CPR certification. Licensing exempt care for 4 or fewer unrelated children requires no state license but must still follow basic safety standards and Memphis zoning rules. Memphis treats home daycare as a home occupation with special conditions: outdoor play-area requirements, drop-off parking plan, fencing, and limits on signage. Fire safety requires compliant smoke alarms, at least one egress from each sleeping room, and fire extinguisher. Family daycare operating in rental property requires landlord consent and insurance notification. Background checks apply to all household members 18 and over. Food service to children must meet TN DHS nutrition standards. Immunization records are required per Tennessee Department of Health rules.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Memphis code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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