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
How Payette Head Start sets rural Idaho families up for success
Idaho News 6 | June 5, 2024
Payette Head Start helps set rural Idaho families up for success by offering on-site or in-home child care and a place to get essential items for free.
Idaho struggles with a lack of child care
Boise State Public Radio | March 12, 2024
Demand for quality child care in our state is reaching a critical level. According to the Child Care Gap Assessment, there are close to 75,000 Idaho children in need of child care but our state only has 55,000 slots available.
Opinion: Investing in Idaho’s future: The critical need for early learning support
Idaho Capital Sun | nOVEMBER 8, 2024
Working families become strong when they have safe, affordable options for child care and early childhood education options.
Idaho Resources & News
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