What it costs, how to find licensed care, and help paying
By J&H Digital Services LLCChecked Oct 23, 202610 sources
Full-time center care for an infant in Idaho averaged about $10,600 a year in 2024, and prices in Boise and Meridian often run higher than the state average. Search licensed providers and inspection results on IdahoSTARS, get on waitlists early, and check whether you qualify for the state's Idaho Child Care Program.
IdahoSTARS lists centers and in-home providers by location, age and hours. Dial 2-1-1 to talk to a referral specialist.
IdahoChildCareCheck.org shows health and safety inspection results for licensed providers.
Ask about the adult-to-child ratio, staff training, how long caregivers have worked there, discipline and sick-child rules. You have the right to see your child at any time during care.
Infant and toddler spots are the hardest to find. Get on two or three waitlists as soon as you know your move date, even before you arrive. Ask whether a waitlist fee is refundable.
Apply for the Idaho Child Care Program online through idalink, by phone at 877-456-1233, or at a Health and Welfare office. Your provider must be registered with ICCP.
| Household size | Maximum gross monthly income |
|---|---|
| 2 | $2,292 |
| 3 | $2,888 |
| 4 | $3,483 |
| 5 | $4,079 |
| 6 | $4,675 |
Effective October 2025. You must be working, in school or job training (online school does not count), and have children under 13 (or older with special needs). Most families pay a copay to the provider based on income and family size. Source: Idaho Department of Health and Welfare: Apply for child care assistance
No. House Bill 243 (2025) ended city licensing of child care workers and facilities as of July 1, 2025. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare now handles all licensing. The same law loosened the state's staff-to-child ratios slightly and bars cities from setting stricter rules.
Rules are now the same across the valley. Because ratios are looser than before, ask each provider how many children each adult cares for, and compare.
Yes. Licensed day cares must have proof of immunization or a signed exemption on file. A child catching up on shots can attend on a conditional basis.
Idaho has no statewide public pre-K. Some districts run their own programs, such as Boise School District's Pre-K at Lincoln and Owyhee early learning centers. Ask the district about eligibility, cost and openings. Head Start offers free preschool for income-eligible families. Many families use private or church preschools for 3- and 4-year-olds.
Fees, rules and providers change. Confirm with the official source before you go.
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