Stark County, OH Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- ORC Chapter 5104
- Licensed by
- Ohio Dept. of Children and Youth
- Type B capacity
- 1 to 7 children
- Under age two
- No more than 3
- Zoning
- City/township approval also needed
Summary
Home child care in Ohio is licensed by the state, not Stark County. A Type B family child care home cares for one to seven children at a time, with no more than three under age two, and needs a state license from the Ohio Department of Children and Youth.
"Type B family child care home" means 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 regulates in-home child care under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5104, administered by the Ohio Department of Children and Youth (formerly ODJFS). A Type B family child care home operates in the provider's permanent residence and cares for one to seven children at a time, with no more than three under two years old. Providers must be licensed, complete background checks and training, and pass inspection. A larger Type A home (7 to 12 children) has stricter standards. Local zoning still applies: Canton and townships may treat a home daycare as a home occupation or conditional use, so confirm zoning approval in addition to the state license.
Violations & Fines
Operating an unlicensed home daycare above the exempt threshold violates ORC Chapter 5104 and can lead to state cease orders, fines, and denial of future licensure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many kids can a home daycare have in Ohio?
Do I need a license for a home daycare?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Stark County
Compare Stark County to another location·View the Ohio home business overview
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