Child Care Facilities
Central District Health (CDH) works with child care facilities in our jurisdiction to ensure children’s safety, health and development.
File a Child Care Complaint
To file a complaint about a child care provider in Idaho, call 2-1-1 or 1-800-926-2588, email careline@dhw.idaho.gov, or fax 208-334-5531.
Search for records of all Child Care facilities using the Idaho Inspection Database
Inspection results can be searched by the name of the child care facility, address, or zip code.
Child Care licensing is administered through the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Child care providers must first apply for licensing through the state.
Customer support specialists with IdahoSTARS collect the documentation and assist the applicant through the state licensing process. IdahoSTARS will send a referral to Central District Health to do a health inspection.
Upon receipt of your application by IdahoSTARS, a referral will be made to Central District Health for the collection of the licensing fee. Central District Health will then contact you with information on how to make your fee payment.
Services
CDH provides the following services for child care facilities:
- Promotes city, county, and state guidelines.
- Conducts inspections including reviewing and promoting proper immunizations per Idaho immunization regulations.
- Provides information, education and training on proper sanitation, food handling, diaper changing, and disease prevention.
- Responds to complaints submitted to the 2-1-1 Idaho Careline.
Inspections
CDH Environmental Health Specialists work with child care providers annually to ensure that facilities are safe and healthy for the children in their care. Inspectors check several areas, including food safety, general cleanliness and hazards, good hygiene, certifications for CPR and first aid training, complete immunization records, and properly operating smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
Most child care facilities receive one unannounced inspection each year. When critical violations are noted during an inspection, they must be corrected immediately, or the inspector will schedule a follow-up visit. You can use the tools below to search all facilities in Idaho or just those in our district:
Search the Idaho Inspection Database
Search the CDH Inspection Database
Inspection results can be searched by the name of the child care facility, address, zip code, or inspection date.
Child Care Regulations
- IDHW – Daycare Licensing & Regulation
- IDHW – Immunization for Providers
- IDHW – Idaho Child Care Program (ICCP) Requirements
- IdahoSTARS – Child Care Providers Manual
- Legislature – Idaho Code Requirements for Child Care
Provider Forms and Guidance
Education for Child Care Providers
Fees
Professional Services (consultation/training) – $73/hour
Parent Resources
Child Care Search & Referral
- Idaho Child Care Check – search engine of child care provider inspections
- IDHW – 211 Idaho CareLine Referral Information: Parents who are seeking child care can dial 2-1-1 or 1-800-926-2588 for information about child care providers and child care facilities. If you would like to submit a child care complaint, please call 2-1-1.
Car Seat Finder & Safety
- ITD – Child Safety Seat Information
- NHTSA – Car Seat Inspections
- NHTSA – Car Seat & Booster Seat Finder and Safety (includes installation information and inspection search)
- NHTSA – Child Safety on the Road