Building Code Glossary
Child Care Facilities: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define child care facilities, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.
On this page
Last updated September 7, 2026 · Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Direct answer
Child care facilities is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Use and Occupancy Classification. The code's own words are: “Facilities that provide care on a 24-hour basis to more than five children, 2½ years of age or less.” The IFC 2009 carries the same definition word for word, so the term means the same thing in each. The term is used in 4 chapters of this corpus, most often in Definitions (IFC 2009), Use and Occupancy Classification (IBC 2009), Plumbing Systems (IBC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted. Record the jurisdiction, the adopted edition, the application date and any local amendment that rewrites the definition before you use it on a live project, because a term redefined by amendment changes every requirement that depends on it.
Content and cited inputs reviewed by Scott Barrington, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Child Care Facilities — IBC 2009, Use and Occupancy Classification:
Facilities that provide care on a 24-hour basis to more than five children, 2½ years of age or less.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Child Care Facilities, in identical words.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | Use and Occupancy Classification | Facilities that provide care on a 24-hour basis to more than five children, 2½ years of age or less. |
| IFC 2009 | Definitions | Facilities that provide care on a 24-hour basis to more than five children, 2½ years of age or less. |
Where child care facilities is used in the code
The term appears in 4 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Definitions | IFC 2009 | 11 |
| Use and Occupancy Classification | IBC 2009 | 8 |
| Plumbing Systems | IBC 2009 | 4 |
| Definitions | IBC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about child care facilities, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Child care facilities that provide accommodations for five or fewer persons of any age for less than 24 hours.
— IBC 2009, Use and Occupancy Classification
Child Care Facilities: what to open, and in what order
Every row is a document this term depends on. The ICC code library and the ICC adoption maps cover the middle rows.
| Check | Where | Confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| Read the definition in the adopted IBC | Use and Occupancy Classification | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IFC | Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Use and Occupancy Classification (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Plumbing Systems (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IBC 2009) | |
| Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list |
A research aid, not a code determination. The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply.
Where can you explore related guidance?
- Explore all glossary guidance
- Corrosive: Building Code Definition
- Hazardous Materials: Building Code Definition
- Combustible Liquid: Building Code Definition
- Handling: Building Code Definition
Sources and method
Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The ICC code library publishes the current model text and the ICC adoption maps show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Source links
Frequently asked questions
What is the code definition of child care facilities?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Use and Occupancy Classification as: “Facilities that provide care on a 24-hour basis to more than five children, 2½ years of age or less.” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally.
Which parts of the code depend on child care facilities?
In this corpus the term is used across 4 chapters, led by Definitions in the IFC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own.
What are the rules and regulations for child care facilities?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Use and Occupancy Classification: “Facilities that provide care on a 24-hour basis to more than five children, 2½ years of age or less.” It is defined in IBC 2009, IFC 2009. Because it is a defined term, whatever the adopted edition says it means is what every section using it means — so check Chapter 2 of that edition and any local amendment before relying on this wording.
What does IBC mean in building codes?
Building is a separate defined term. The IBC 2009 defines it as: “Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.” That is not the same as child care facilities, which the IBC 2009 defines as “Facilities that provide care on a 24-hour basis to more than five children, 2½ years of age or less.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
What does child care facility mean?
Facility is a separate defined term. The IBC 2009 defines it as: “All or any portion of buildings, structures, site improvements, elements and pedestrian or vehicular routes located on a site.” That is not the same as child care facilities, which the IBC 2009 defines as “Facilities that provide care on a 24-hour basis to more than five children, 2½ years of age or less.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
Related pages
- Change OF Occupancy: Building Code Definition
Change OF Occupancy — IFC 2009 definition: A change in the purpose or level of activity within a building that involves a change …
- Chemical Name: Building Code Definition
Chemical Name — IFC 2009 definition: The scientific designation of a chemical in accordance with the nomenclature system developed by the International …
- Chemical: Building Code Definition
Chemical — IFC 2009 definition: An element, chemical compound or mixture of elements or compounds or both.
- Chimney Connector: Building Code Definition
Chimney Connector — IRC 2009 definition: A pipe that connects a fuel-burning appliance to a chimney.
- Chimney: Building Code Definition
Chimney — IBC 2009 definition: A primarily vertical enclosure containing one or more passageways for conveying flue gases to the outside …
- Circuit Breaker: Building Code Definition
Circuit Breaker — IRC 2009 definition: A device designed to open and close a circuit by nonautomatic means and to open the …