How IdahoSTARS Helps Providers read >>
Training and Education read >>
ICCP Qualification read >>
IdahoSTARS Programs for Providers read >>
State Licensing Information read >>

How IdahoSTARS Helps Providers

Since IdahoSTARS strives to improve child care in Idaho, child care providers are some of our greatest allies and assets. We want to see the quality of child care improve, and that begins with you! The cornerstone of our resources for providers is the Professional Development System, a career pathway and provider database that aims to help providers advance in their careers and keep learning. IdahoSTARS provides training, scholarships, mentorship, and cash incentives to help providers improve the quality of their practice. We also maintain a database of child care providers in the state and refer parents to providers that match their needs. Your business will benefit along with your career. We hope to educate the public about the importance of quality child care and show our support for Idaho's wonderful child care providers!

Training and Education

Distance Learning

For more information on distance learning options please download the following .pdf

Our Long Range Strategic Plan

Last year we asked for your help in formulating a long range strategic plan. After much input we've decided that the new plan will help us serve you better. Thank you for your help.
Download the Strategic Plan .pdf

ITC

IdahoSTARS has partnered with the Idaho Training Clearinghouse (ITC) at Idahotc.com to provide one source for those seeking training in Idaho. ITC was established to track training offered through Idaho's State Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education. With our new partnership, ITC now publicizes IdahoSTARS approved training as well. If you are interested in seeing what's available in your area, check out the calendar. To download forms related to ITC training, visit their file library.

Scholarships

IdahoSTARS Academic Scholarships are processed by the Scholarship office at Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children (Idaho AEYC) and designed to increase the level of education in caregivers working with young children. Additional funding through the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation, and the U.S. Department of Labor. For more information on academic scholarships available to child care providers, click here.

Training Documents

Did you attend a quality training that you think should be IdahoSTARS approved? Download the Post-Training Approval Form to request that a non-IdahoSTARS approved training be considered for approval.

ICCP Qualifications

Idaho Child Care Provider (ICCP) Qualification requirements are:

• ICCP Orientation (call 2-1-1 for further information)
• Provider Agreement/Contract
• Valid Infant/Child CPR Certification (90 day window to obtain)
• Valid First Aid Certification  (90 day window to obtain)
• Health and Safety Inspection (90 day window to obtain)
• City/State License - if required (call 2-1-1 for information)

For more information about ICCP, see the ICCP Guide on the Idaho Health and Welfare page.

IdahoSTARS Programs for Providers

Professional Development System

The IdahoSTARS Professional Development System is a way for providers to develop their professional careers, attend training, and receive cash incentives as they learn. Click the link above to find out more and sign up to be in the system!

M.E.C.E.: Mentors for Early Care and Education

Mentors are experts in their field. They are men and women who wish to share their knowledge and experience with others. Mentors offer guidance, support and resources through a nurturing and structured program. They are experts in early childhood, business, health, safety, nutrition, parent education, psychology, and more. They are available to child care professionals for a variety of services ranging from an hour to a 2-year commitment. Mentors provide services statewide working with both family and child care providers and directors. Click here for more information.

State licensing information

State licenses are issued through regional Family and Children's Services offices in the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Renewal of licenses is required every two years. The following types of child care settings and licensing requirements are available:

• Family child care homes are limited to 1 to 6 children in attendance at one time. Licensing is not required but a provider may become licensed on a voluntary basis (usually done if the provider wishes to participate in the federally funded food program).
• Group child care providers are restricted to 7 to 12 children in attendance at one time and must be certified by state law.

Types of Child Care Licenses and Idaho Requirements:

• Child care centers having 13 or more children in attendance at one time must be licensed by state law.
• Child Care Home (1-6 Children): Criminal History Check, Health Inspection, Fire Inspection.
• Group Child Care (7-12 children): Criminal History Check, Health Inspection, Fire Inspection.
• Basic Child Care Facility (13 or more children): Criminal History Check, Health Inspection, Fire Inspection.
• Certified Group Child Care Facility (Optional License): Criminal History Check, Fire Inspection.

Did you know? It is a misdemeanor to operate a child care center within Idaho without first obtaining a basic child care license or for failure to post a basic child care license in a conspicuous place.

Additional local licensing regulations may be imposed by individual city governments. Their licensing requirements may be equal to or more stringent than state license provisions. Currently there are nine cities in Idaho that license child care facilities in their jurisdictions: Boise, Chubbuck, Hailey, Jerome, Coeur d'Alene, Lewiston, Moscow, Orofino, and Pocatello. See Idaho Code 39-1101 for information about Idaho Child Care Licenses. You can download a PDF of rules governing standards for child care licensing as well.

Find out about Idaho licensing requirements on the Health and Welfare Site.