How to start a preschool in Idaho

Opening a preschool or early-years setting in Idaho presents a rewarding opportunity to contribute to the state's growing communities. Aspiring providers must navigate the specific licensing requirements set forth by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, with IdahoSTARS serving as the primary resource for application processing and ongoing support. Understanding the local regulatory landscape is crucial, as both state law and specific city and county ordinances dictate the establishment and operation of child care facilities. This guide will walk you through the essential steps, from initial licensing to operational considerations, ensuring you are well-equipped to provide a safe, healthy, and nurturing environment for Idaho's children. Familiarity with the Idaho Child Care Program (ICCP) and its benefits for both providers and low-income families will also be invaluable as you embark on this important venture. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, in collaboration with local public health districts and IdahoSTARS, prioritizes the well-being of children, making adherence to these guidelines paramount for success in Idaho's early care and education sector.

Regulations

Health safety: The health and safety of children in Idaho child care facilities are paramount. All enrolled children must meet vaccination requirements. Facilities are subject to annual health and safety inspections covering fire safety, sanitation, and hygienic practices like hand washing and diaper changing procedures. A robust illness exclusion policy is implied, with specific guidelines for various communicable diseases provided in the Child Care Provider Manual, including when to notify parents and contact the health department. Staff are required to have current pediatric CPR and first aid certifications. Providers must also have a disaster preparedness plan in place. Medication administration and incident reporting protocols are crucial, although specific details on these were not explicitly detailed in the provided sources.

Licensing overview: In Idaho, child care licensing is overseen by the Department of Health and Welfare, with IdahoSTARS processing all state licensing applications. A license is required if you provide care for seven or more children and receive compensation for one or more of those children. The application process involves submitting various documents, including proof of background checks, CPR/First Aid certification, insurance, and compliance with local ordinances. Facilities are subject to annual health and safety inspections by the local public health district to ensure adherence to state standards. These inspections cover areas such as fire safety, sanitation, and child-staff ratios. Exemptions from licensure apply to irregular care, private or religious schools for children over four or religious kindergartens, occasional care when parents are in the same building, day camps or religious schools operating less than 12 weeks a year, and care for relatives within the second degree of relationship.

Licensing authority: Idaho Department of Health and Welfare

Staff qualifications: All owners, operators, and staff members providing direct care to children in Idaho must be at least 18 years old. Individuals aged 16 or 17 may provide care under direct supervision. A crucial requirement is a cleared Enhanced Background Check for all providers, staff, and household members over the age of 13. Additionally, all individuals providing direct care must hold current certification in pediatric rescue breathing (CPR) and pediatric first aid from a certified instructor; online courses are not accepted. The Department of Health and Welfare mandates four hours of ongoing training yearly for each owner, operator, and staff member, focusing on child development. Child care providers participating in the Idaho Child Care Program (ICCP) might also be required to complete specific health and safety online courses.

Facility requirements: Child care facilities in Idaho must meet stringent health and safety standards. Key facility requirements include having at least two exits, and care cannot be provided in a basement or second story without an approved fire exit. Water hazards on the premises, such as pools or ponds, must be inaccessible to children, typically requiring a four-foot high fence with a self-locking gate. Facilities using well water must ensure it is from an approved source and free of contamination by contacting their local health district. Providers will also need a disaster preparedness plan. Compliance with local city and county building, electrical, and planning and zoning codes is mandatory, and proof must be submitted with the license application. An annual health and safety inspection is conducted by the local public health district.

Curriculum requirements: The provided sources do not specify a mandated curriculum framework for child care facilities in Idaho, such as the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) or National Quality Framework (NQF), nor do they explicitly mention how the International Preschool Curriculum (IPC) aligns. The regulations primarily focus on health, safety, and operational standards rather than explicit curricular content. However, ongoing staff training is required in child development areas relating to child care, suggesting an emphasis on developmentally appropriate practices within any chosen curriculum. Providers are encouraged to ensure that their educational programming aligns with general principles of child development and supports the overall well-being and growth of the children in their care.

Startup costs

Startup costs in Idaho can vary significantly based on the type and size of the facility. A smaller, home-based operation or rented suite will naturally incur lower costs, primarily for renovations, equipment, and initial licensing fees. A larger, purpose-built center for 60-100 children will require substantial investment in property acquisition or long-term lease, more extensive construction or renovation, higher insurance premiums, and a larger initial staffing complement. Ongoing monthly operating expenses will similarly reflect the scale of the facility, including rent/mortgage, utilities, salaries, supplies, and food costs. Participation in programs like ICCP can also influence financial flows.

Timeline

1. Initial Research and Local Compliance Check (2-4 weeks): Before applying for a state license, aspiring providers in Idaho should thoroughly research state licensing requirements and also contact their city or county planning and zoning office. This step is crucial to determine if there are local ordinances, building codes, or electrical codes that may affect the ability to operate a child care program and ensure compliance with all local regulations.

2. Complete Background Checks (4-8 weeks): All owners, staff, and household members over 13 years old who will have unsupervised direct contact with children or are regularly on the premises must obtain a cleared Enhanced Background Check through the Background Check Unit. This process requires submitting fingerprints and following all directions provided on the Health and Welfare website. A cleared background check is a prerequisite for licensing.

3. Obtain Pediatric CPR and First Aid Certifications (1-2 weeks): All direct care providers, owners, and staff must acquire current certification in pediatric rescue breathing (CPR) and pediatric first aid from a certified instructor. It is important to note that online courses are not accepted for this requirement. Local CCRC offices can assist in finding approved courses.

4. Prepare Facility for Health and Safety Inspection (4-12 weeks): Prepare your facility to meet Idaho's health and safety standards. This includes ensuring at least two exits, securing water hazards, and developing a disaster preparedness plan. Review the Idaho District Health Department Child Care Guidelines. If on well water, contact your local health district for testing. You may also need approval from your Home Owners Association or landlord.

5. Submit License Application and Supporting Documentation (2-4 weeks): Once all prerequisites are met, submit your license application to IdahoSTARS. This application must include proof of liability and fire insurance, a copy of your approved Fire Safety Inspection, proof of local ordinance compliance, and all staff certifications and background check clearances. IdahoSTARS processes the applications and assists providers through the state licensing process.

6. Undergo Health Inspection and Pay Licensing Fee (2-6 weeks): After IdahoSTARS receives your application, a referral will be made to your local public health district for a health inspection. The district will contact you to schedule this inspection and provide information on how to pay the licensing fee, which varies based on the facility's capacity (e.g., $325 for large centers, $100 for group facilities). The facility must pass this inspection to proceed with licensure.

Next steps: explore the IPC curriculum, read about preschool enrollment, or browse all start-a-preschool guides.

Frequently asked questions

What are the primary licensing authorities for child care in Idaho?

The primary licensing authority for child care facilities in Idaho is the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. However, IdahoSTARS is responsible for processing all state licensing applications and providing support to child care providers throughout the licensing journey. Local public health districts also play a crucial role by conducting the required annual health and safety inspections of child care facilities. Additionally, city and county governments in Idaho have the authority to establish local ordinances that may impose further requirements for child care operations within their specific communities, covering aspects like building and zoning codes.

Are there specific staff-to-child ratios in Idaho?

Idaho utilizes a point system to determine staff-to-child ratios, rather than a direct numerical ratio per child. This system allocates points based on the age of the children, with a maximum of 12 points allowed per staff member. Children from zero to less than 24 months are assigned 2 points, children from 24 months to under 36 months are assigned 1 1/2 points, and children from 36 months to under 5 years old are assigned 1 point. All providers, owners, and staff are responsible for the direct care, protection, supervision, and guidance of children through active involvement or direct observation.

What are the ongoing training requirements for child care staff in Idaho?

In Idaho, all owners, operators, and staff members of a licensed child care facility must complete four hours of ongoing training every 12 months after their date of hire. This training must focus on child development areas relevant to child care. For child care providers participating in the Idaho Child Care Program (ICCP), there is a requirement to complete a series of free online courses designed to cover various health and safety topics specific to providers in Idaho. The training credits are applied for the licensing period in which they are taken and can only be counted once.

How do background checks work for child care providers in Idaho?

Idaho requires all owners, operators, staff, and any individuals 13 years of age or older who have unsupervised direct contact with children or are regularly on the premises to undergo and clear an Enhanced Background Check. This process involves submitting fingerprints to the Background Check Unit. A background check clearance completed within the last three years can be transferred to a new employer, provided it was an enhanced clearance and the new employer ensures a new Idaho State Police name-based record check is completed without disqualifying crimes. Comprehensive guidelines are available in the 'Criminal History Compliance Facts and Guidelines' document from the Department of Health and Welfare.

What is the Idaho Child Care Program (ICCP) and why should providers participate?

The Idaho Child Care Program (ICCP) is a state initiative designed to assist low-income families with the costs of child care by paying for a portion of their expenses. This program generally serves families with children under the age of 13, or over 13 if the child has a disability, to support parents working towards or maintaining employment. Child care providers are encouraged to participate in ICCP because it provides a more regular stream of child care payments. Moreover, many of the requirements for becoming an ICCP provider align with the state licensing requirements, making it a streamlined process to apply for both simultaneously and enhance a facility's stability and reach within the community.

Are there specific immunization requirements for children enrolled in Idaho child care facilities?

Yes, licensed child care facilities in Idaho are required to ensure that enrolled children meet specific vaccination requirements as stipulated by Idaho Code, Chapter 11, Section 39-1118. The 'Child Care Provider Manual' includes detailed information on these immunization requirements and provides guidelines for compliance, including immunization forms. It is essential for providers to review these guidelines and maintain accurate records of each child's immunization status. This measure is crucial for protecting the health and safety of all children attending the facility and for controlling the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases within the child care environment.