The short version
- Washington centers must be insured. Licensed child care centers must provide proof of day care insurance, or self-insurance, at licensing, renewal, and inspection (RCW 43.216.700).
- Washington family homes can opt out of the insurance requirement, but must give parents written notice of their insurance status.
- Lapses must be reported. Washington licensees must notify the Department of Children, Youth, and Families within 30 days of a lapse and notify parents.
- Idaho licenses at seven children. A daycare facility caring for seven or more unrelated children needs a license; family homes with four or more need criminal history checks. We found no Idaho insurance requirement.
- Abuse and molestation coverage is essential, and often excluded or limited in standard policies.
Licensing and insurance rules
| Rule | Washington | Idaho |
|---|
| Who is licensed | Child care centers, family homes, and outdoor nature-based programs, by DCYF | Daycare facilities caring for 7 or more unrelated children need a license; homes with 4 to 6 need criminal history checks (Idaho Code 39-1102, 39-1114) |
|---|
| Insurance | Centers must carry day care insurance or be self-insured; family homes may opt out with written notice to parents (RCW 43.216.700) | None found in state law; cities may add rules |
|---|
| Lapse | Notify DCYF within 30 days and give parents written notice; post insurance status | Not applicable |
|---|
| Operating without a license | Prohibited | A misdemeanor (Idaho Code 39-1115) |
|---|
Coverage for a child care business
| Coverage | What it handles |
|---|
| General liability | Injuries to children and visitors on site and on outings |
|---|
| Abuse and molestation | Allegations against staff or others; check limits and whether defense is inside them |
|---|
| Professional liability | Claims about supervision, care, and developmental services |
|---|
| Business owners policy | The building or space, equipment, and lost income |
|---|
| Employment practices | Claims from staff in a high-turnover field |
|---|
| Hired and non-owned auto, or commercial auto | Field trips and transportation |
|---|
| Workers comp | L&I in Washington; Idaho workers comp from the first employee |
|---|
For a related story, see the preschool story.
Sources
This page is general information. Laws were checked against primary sources in October 2026; confirm current requirements with DCYF or the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.