Hamilton County, OH Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)
Key Facts
- Licensing authority
- State (ODJFS/DCY)
- Type B home
- 1 to 7 children
- Type A home
- 8 to 14 children
- Statute
- ORC Chapter 5104
- Also possible
- Local zoning approval
Summary
Ohio, not Hamilton County, licenses in-home child care through the Department of Children and Youth (ODJFS/DCY). A Type B home caring for one to seven children needs certification; a Type A home caring for eight to fourteen needs a license. Local zoning may add separate approval.
"Type B family child care home" and "type B home" mean a permanent residence of the provider in which care is provided for one to seven children at one time and in which no more than three children are under two years of age at one time.
Full Breakdown
Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5104 defines home-based child care. A Type B family child care home cares for one to seven children at one time, with no more than three under age two, and requires state certification. A Type A family child care home cares for eight to fourteen children and requires a state license under ORC 5104.03. Licensing and certification are handled by the state (ODJFS / Department of Children and Youth), not Hamilton County. Your city, village, or township zoning may separately require a home-occupation approval, and background checks and inspections apply.
Violations & Fines
Operating an unlicensed or uncertified home daycare above the caregiver's own children violates ORC Chapter 5104 and can bring state enforcement, closure orders, and civil penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hamilton County license in-home daycare?
How many children can a Type B home care for?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hamilton County
Compare Hamilton County to another location·View the Ohio home business overview
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