Idaho
Working families in Idaho need accessible, affordable, quality child care and early learning opportunities for their children.
Currently, federal and state early learning programs reach thousands of young children and their families in Idaho. But too many working families in Idaho are missing out. As a direct result of child care issues, the Idaho economy loses millions of dollars each year in the form of lost earnings, productivity, and revenue.
There are 137K children ages 5 and under in Idaho – 57% of these children have all available parents in the workforce.
The typical annual cost of child care for an infant in Idaho is around $10,000.
The Child Care and Development Block Grant only reaches 15% of eligible families in Idaho. (This federal program helps low-income parents afford child care.)
On average, child care providers in Idaho earn just $28,510 a year; this can make it a challenge to recruit and retain this workforce, leading to supply issues.
Idaho’s economy loses $525M annually due to child care challenges
Idaho: In The Headlines
Child care costs far exceed affordability for Idaho families
Idaho News | January 21, 2026
Child care expenses have become increasingly burdensome for families, with LendingTree research highlighting the financial strain.
Idaho day care remains a struggle. Why Boise says it could get worse
Idaho Statesman | jUNE 10, 2025
In 2020, the state had a nearly 30% gap between the number of children who needed care and the number of slots available, according to a study by the Washington-based Bipartisan Policy Center.
Opinion: Child care is one solution for Idaho’s health care workforce shortages
Couer d’Alene/Post Falls Press | April 24, 2025
A shortage of affordable housing and childcare is proving to be a major barrier for those in Kootenai County’s healthcare industry.
Idaho Resources & News
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FFYF’S 2023 State Fact Sheets
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How CCDBG Benefits Families in Your State
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FFYF’s 2022 Child Care & Early Learning State Fact Sheets
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Idaho — Federal Support for Early Learning & Care Opportunities
High-quality early childhood education is proven to dramatically improve a child’s opportunities for a better future—particularly children from low-income families—while offering parents improved job stability and overall economic security. To …
Learn About the Positive Impact of MIECHV in Your State
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States Lose Billions in Economic Activity from Child Care Breakdowns
The past year has brought on an increased awareness of the importance of child care to the economy. But even before the pandemic, families struggled to find and afford high-quality …
Six Jurisdictions Can Now Apply for Renewal Funds for PDG
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), in coordination with the Department of Education, released a new funding opportunity announcement (FOA) for the Preschool Development Grants Birth through Five (PDG …
FFYF Releases State Fact Sheets, Highlighting Unique Local Landscapes
This summer, FFYF released updated state fact sheets, which draw on numerous data sources to offer details about the early childhood opportunities in each state made possible through federal and state …
Idaho: Federal Support for Early Learning & Care Opportunities
High-quality early childhood education is proven to dramatically improve a child’s opportunities for a better future—particularly children from low-income families—while offering parents improved job stability and overall economic security. To …
Preschool Development Grant Funding Awarded to 26 States for 2020
UPDATE: The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced additional three-year renewal grants are being awarded to South Carolina, Nebraska, and …
Updated Fact Sheets Show Opportunities for States
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See How All 50 States Use CCDBG Funding to Support Working Families Access Quality Child Care
Yesterday, our friends at Child Care Aware of America released a series of state fact sheets on the status of funding through the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) …
Idaho: Federal Support for Early Learning & Care Opportunities
High-quality early childhood education is proven to dramatically improve a child’s opportunities for a better future—particularly children from low-income families—while offering parents improved job stability and overall economic security. To …
