A daycare license in Idaho is issued by Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW) / IdahoSTARS, which administers childcare licensing statewide. Providers must keep 7 documents on file for staff and children and meet 4 staff-to-child ratios by age group. Renewal: Annual license renewal required. The checklist below covers what belongs in each file and what has to stay current.
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Informational only — not legal advice, and not a statement of what Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW) / IdahoSTARS requires today. GetDocsSigned is not affiliated with or endorsed by Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW) / IdahoSTARS. Requirements change; confirm with your licensing representative before relying on anything on this page.
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See a ready-made enrollment packet →Idaho childcare licensing uses a unique point-based staffing system rather than traditional ratios. A single staff member can manage up to 12 points. Points per child: infants/toddlers 0–24 months = 2 points, 24–36 months = 1.33 points, 3–5 years = 0.923 points, 5–13 years = 0.48 points. For example, one teacher could care for 6 infants (12 points) OR approximately 13 preschoolers (12 points). Idaho is highly decentralized — cities like Boise have additional local codes and zoning requirements.
| Age Group | Staff : Children |
|---|---|
| 0–24 months (2 points per child) | 1:6 (max 12 points) |
| 24–36 months (1.33 points per child) | 1:9 (max 12 points) |
| 3–5 years (0.923 points per child) | 1:13 (max 12 points) |
| 5–13 years (0.48 points per child) | 1:25 (max 12 points) |
Idaho uses a point system: each staff member can manage up to 12 points. Points per child decrease as age increases. Mixed-age groups are calculated by summing all child points.
Ratios shown are a summary and have not yet been checked against Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW) / IdahoSTARS's rule text. Confirm with the agency before relying on them. Source: IdahoSTARS Child Care Licensing
Enrollment Form
Complete enrollment with child information and parent/guardian contacts.
Immunization Records
Parents have 14 days from enrollment to provide immunization records or signed exemption.
Emergency Contact Information
Names and phone numbers of emergency contacts and authorized pickup persons.
Emergency Medical Authorization
Parental consent for emergency medical care.
Enhanced Background Check Documentation
Documentation of enhanced background check for all persons 13+ on premises.
Allergy and Dietary Information
Documentation of any food allergies or special dietary needs.
Medication AuthorizationConditional
Written parental authorization for any medication to be administered.
GetDocsSigned tracks every one of these per file and flags what’s missing or expiring.
Start freeSummary of the requirement as published — not the governing text. Verified August 2026 · Source: IdahoSTARS Child Care Licensing
Exemption Policy
Medical and religious exemptions are permitted. Parents must provide records or signed exemption within 14 days of enrollment.
Summary of the requirement as published — not the governing text. Verified August 2026 · Source: IdahoSTARS Child Care Licensing
Minimum Age
18 years for staff counted in the point system
Background Check
Enhanced background check required for all persons 13 years of age and older on facility premises.
Lead Teacher Education
Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent ECE coursework. Contact IdahoSTARS for specific requirements.
Assistant Education
High school diploma or GED required. Pre-service training required.
CPR / First Aid
Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification required. At least one certified staff member on-site at all times.
Continuing Education
Minimum 4 hours of annual health and safety training required for all staff.
Director Qualifications
Director qualification requirements set by IDHW. Contact IdahoSTARS for current standards.
Summary of the requirement as published — not the governing text. Verified August 2026 · Source: IdahoSTARS Child Care Licensing
Inspection Frequency
At least one unannounced inspection annually. Additional inspections based on complaints.
License Renewal
Annual license renewal required.
Application Process
Contact IDHW / IdahoSTARS. Verify local city/county zoning requirements before beginning application.
Licensing Fee
Large center (26+ children): $325. Small center (13–25 children): $250. Group facility (7–12 children): $100.
Summary of the requirement as published — not the governing text. Verified August 2026 · Source: IdahoSTARS Child Care Licensing
Summary of the requirement as published — not the governing text. Verified August 2026 · Source: IdahoSTARS Child Care Licensing
These are the pages this summary was checked against. The agency's published rules govern; where this page and the agency differ, the agency is right.
Ratios, required documents, and inspection schedules vary from state to state. If you operate near a border, run a second location, or are deciding where to open, start with the states in the Mountain West.
Daycare Enrollment Forms Checklist: Every Document You Need Per Child
The complete list of documents required per child, with state-specific variations.
How to Prepare for a Daycare Licensing Inspection
Step-by-step checklist covering child files, staff records, ratios, and facility safety.
Staff-to-Child Ratios by State: The Complete Comparison
Compare infant, toddler, and preschool ratio requirements across all 50 states.
Daycare Immunization Requirements by State
Required vaccines and exemption policies — medical only, religious, or philosophical.
One link. Parents complete child information, emergency contacts, pickup, immunizations, health details, and consents on their phone, and the finished packet lands in your account as a PDF. Free to start, no card.