How to Start a Daycare in Idaho (2026)

Last updated: February 26, 2026

Starting a licensed daycare in Idaho means working through the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare’s childcare licensing program, administered in partnership with IdahoSTARS. Idaho recently transitioned from city-based childcare licensing to a centralized state oversight system – all future childcare licensing is now managed at the state level through Idaho DHEW and IdahoSTARS. The application process allows six months to complete, but you must submit all required documents at least 45 days before the deadline. This guide walks through every requirement, from background checks to facility inspections.

Idaho Daycare License Requirements at a Glance

Requirement	Agency	Cost	Timeline
Childcare Facility License	Idaho DHEW / IdahoSTARS	Varies by license type	6 months to complete application
Background check (all staff + household members 13+)	Idaho DHEW	Varies	Submit with application
Pediatric CPR + first aid certification (1+ staff)	American Red Cross or similar	~$60-$100	Before opening
Annual health and safety inspection	Idaho DHEW	Included in licensing	Before opening; annually thereafter
Annual fire safety inspection	Local fire authority	Varies	Before opening; annually thereafter
Ongoing training (4 hours/year)	Approved training providers	Varies	Annual requirement
LLC formation (recommended)	Idaho Secretary of State	$103 online	Before applying for license
General liability insurance	Private carrier	~$1,500-$4,000/year	Before opening

How to Start a Daycare in Idaho (Step by Step)

Step 1: Form Your Business Entity

Before applying for a childcare license, form an LLC with the Idaho Secretary of State for $103 online via SOSBiz at sos.idaho.gov/business-services. An LLC is essential for a daycare: childcare businesses face significant liability exposure, and personal asset protection is critical if a child is injured in your care.

Step 2: Contact IdahoSTARS and Begin Your Application

Idaho’s childcare licensing transitioned from a city-based system to centralized state oversight through the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHEW) and IdahoSTARS.

Key contacts:

• Idaho Department of Health and Welfare: healthandwelfare.idaho.gov
• IdahoSTARS: idahostars.org

Application timeline:

• You have 6 months to complete the application process after IdahoSTARS receives your completed, signed application
• All required documentation must be submitted at least 45 days before the 6-month deadline
• Do not start operating until you have received your license

Step 3: Background Checks

Idaho requires background checks for a broad category of individuals associated with the daycare:

• All childcare center applicants and owners
• All staff members
• Any household members over the age of 13 who have unsupervised direct contact with children or are regularly on the premises

Background checks are processed through Idaho DHEW. Results must be received and cleared before the license can be issued. Maintain current background checks throughout the license period – background check disqualifications are grounds for license denial or revocation.

Step 4: CPR and First Aid Certification

Idaho requires that at least one staff member certified in pediatric CPR and first aid be present on the premises at all times during operating hours.

• Many providers require all staff – not just one – to be certified
• Use pediatric-specific CPR courses (not standard adult CPR)
• Accepted providers: American Red Cross, American Heart Association, and other accredited programs
• Cost: approximately $60-$100 for a combined pediatric CPR + first aid course
• Certifications typically expire every 2 years – track renewal dates for all staff

Step 5: Health and Fire Safety Inspections

Your facility must pass two types of inspections before you can receive a childcare license and must maintain compliance with annual inspections thereafter:

Health and safety inspection: Conducted by Idaho DHEW. Covers facility cleanliness, safety of indoor and outdoor play areas, proper food storage, restroom facilities, and diaper changing areas (if serving infants). Indoor space requirements and child-to-staff ratios will be assessed.

Fire safety inspection: Conducted by your local fire authority. Covers smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, exit signage, emergency evacuation plans, and fire suppression systems where required.

Prepare for inspections by reviewing the Idaho childcare licensing regulations at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov.

Step 6: Ongoing Training Requirement

Idaho requires that all staff members, owners, and operators complete a minimum of 4 hours of ongoing training related to child development every 12 months. This is not a one-time requirement – it continues throughout your operation.

• Training must be from approved programs and providers
• Topics include child development, health and safety, early childhood education, and childcare management
• Keep thorough records of all completed training for each staff member
• IdahoSTARS and DHEW can provide lists of approved training providers

Step 7: Keep Required Records

Idaho childcare centers must maintain thorough records, including:

• Staff records: background check results, certifications, training completion
• Children’s records: enrollment agreements, emergency contacts, medical information, immunization records
• Records for all individuals over 13 who have unsupervised access to children
• Inspection reports and corrective action documentation

Step 8: Get Insurance

Commercial general liability insurance is essential for a daycare operation. Standard childcare coverage should include:

• Commercial general liability: $1,000,000 per occurrence minimum
• Abuse and molestation coverage: Essential for any childcare business – not included in standard GL policies, requires a separate rider or endorsement
• Annual cost: approximately $1,500-$4,000 depending on enrollment and location

Cost to Start a Daycare in Idaho

Item	Cost	Notes
LLC formation (Secretary of State)	$103	One-time; annual report free
Childcare facility license	Varies by license type	Contact IdahoSTARS for current fees
Background checks (staff + household members 13+)	Varies	Per person; required for all covered individuals
Pediatric CPR + first aid certification	~$60-$100 per person	Renews every 2 years
Health and fire safety inspections	Included / varies	Annual requirement
General liability + abuse/molestation insurance	~$1,500-$4,000/year	Annual; childcare-specific policy required
Facility setup and childproofing	$2,000-$15,000+	One-time; depends on facility size and condition
Toys, equipment, and learning materials	$1,000-$5,000	One-time startup investment
Year 1 Total (home-based, small center)	~$5,000-$25,000	Wide range depending on facility type and size

Related Idaho Business Guides

• How to Start a Cleaning Service in Idaho
• How to Start a Food Truck in Idaho
• How to Start an HVAC Business in Idaho
• How to Start a Hair Salon in Idaho
• How to Start a Landscaping Business in Idaho
• How to Become a Private Investigator in Idaho

← Back to all Idaho business guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Who licenses daycares in Idaho?

Idaho childcare licensing is administered by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHEW) in partnership with IdahoSTARS. Idaho recently transitioned from city-based licensing to a centralized state system – all childcare licensing is now at the state level. Start at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov or idahostars.org.

How long does Idaho daycare licensing take?

Idaho allows 6 months to complete the licensing application after IdahoSTARS receives your signed, completed application. You must submit all required documentation at least 45 days before the 6-month deadline. Inspections, background checks, and other steps can take several weeks each, so start the process well before your desired opening date. Plan for 3-5 months of preparation before you’re ready to submit your application.

Who needs a background check for an Idaho daycare?

All childcare center applicants, all staff members, and any household members over age 13 who have unsupervised direct contact with children or are regularly on the premises must pass a background check. This is a broad requirement – if you run a home-based daycare, this includes older children living in your home. Background checks must be cleared before a license is issued.

Does Idaho require CPR certification for daycare staff?

Yes. Idaho requires that at least one staff member certified in pediatric CPR and first aid be present on the premises at all times during operating hours. Most childcare operators require all staff to be certified. Certification costs approximately $60-$100 and expires every 2 years. Use pediatric-specific (not adult) CPR courses.

How much training is required for Idaho daycare workers?

All staff members, owners, and operators must complete a minimum of 4 hours of ongoing training related to child development every 12 months. This is an ongoing annual requirement. Training must come from approved providers – IdahoSTARS and DHEW maintain lists of approved programs. Detailed records of completed training must be kept on file.