Child Care

Public Health-Idaho North Central District provides the following services for child care facilities:

• Conduct inspections including reviewing and promoting proper immunizations per Idaho immunization regulations.
• Provide recommendations to licensing agencies for licensing purposes.
• Provide information, education, and training to child care providers on proper sanitation, food handling, diaper changing, and disease prevention.
• Respond to complaints. Child care-related concerns/complaints are to be submitted to the 2-1-1 IdahoCareline for correct agency referral and follow-up.

Basic child care centers, those that care for more than twelve children, must be licensed in the State of Idaho. Group child care facilities, those that care for seven to twelve children, must be licensed in the State of Idaho. Family child care facilities, those that care for four to six children, are required to be certified and have fire inspections and background checks. The latter may voluntarily comply with state licensing requirements. Family child care facilities, those that care for one to three children, are not required to be state licensed. State licenses for child care facilities are issued through the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Family and Children’s Services. Cities and counties have been granted authority by state code to adopt ordinances for regulations and licensing of day care services. They may have licensing requirements that are stricter than the state licensing law. Contact your local jurisdiction for more information. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare has adopted rules for administration of the Idaho Child Care Program (ICCP). This program helps low-income families pay for child care. Assistance is available to families who meet certain income guidelines and need child care to work or attend a job training or education program. More detailed information on becoming eligible for ICCP, or becoming an approved ICCP provider, can be obtained at the Idaho Child Care Program website.