The information provided on this page is a basic outline of Idaho Child Care requirements that pertain to the design and construction of Child Care Facilities in the State of Idaho. This information is a brief synopsis and does not include all of the detailed requirements needed to satisfy the governing authorities for Child Care Licensing, Building Code, Fire Code, Accessibility, or local Zoning. These guidelines are for general information and planning purposes. Contact the governing authority directly or engage a Licensed Architect to complete a full analysis of your school location.
IDAHO Child Care Licensing Requirements
Child Care license obtained from:
Idaho Department of Human and Welfare
450 West State Street, Boise, ID 83702
https://adminrules.idaho.gov/rules/current/16/160602.pdf
(208) 334-5500
License renewal is required once every two years.
Indoor Space Requirements: 35 sf per child
|
|
< 12 Mos. |
24-36 Mos. |
3- 5 Years |
5+ Years |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Required Teacher: Child Ratio |
1:6 |
1:8 |
1:12 |
1:24 |
|
|
Required Max. Group Size |
None |
None |
None |
None |
|
|
Recommended Classroom Capacity |
12 |
16 |
24 |
48 |
|
|
Recommended Staff per Classroom |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Recommended Min. Classroom Area |
420 sf. |
560 sf. |
840 sf. |
1680 sf. |
|
Outdoor Space Requirements: 60 sf per child
- Any outdoor play area must be maintained free from hazards such as wells, machinery, and animal waste. Outdoor play must adjoin or assessable to the indoor area.
- Outdoor play areas must be designed where all parts are always visible and are easily supervised by a staff member.
- Toys, play equipment and any other equipment used by the children must be of substantial conditions and free from sharp edges.
- If any part of the play area is by a busy street, ditch, stream, or large holes, etc, at least 4 feet tall fencing needs to be placed.
Building Code Requirements
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CHILD FIXTURES |
ADULT FIXTURES |
DRINKING FOUNTAINS |
MOP SINK |
BATH TUB/ SHOWER |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
1: 15 |
1:50 |
1:100 |
1 |
1 |
Fire Code Requirements
|
1 |
Sleeping room exits must be provided with at least one emergency egress window. |
2 |
If the child care is located in the basement, it must have at least 2 exits. |
18 |
An individual submitting an application to the Department to be licensed for a child care must be at least 18 years old. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Did you know . . .
 |
The posting of a license in a conspicuous place at child care is required. |  |
Child- staff ratios must be maintained at all times during all hours. |  |
2015 International Building Code Effective 1 January 2018, previously 2012 International Building Code. |
|---|
Research completed by Calbert Design Group, LLC. Updated 2019