Looking for quality childcare Boise Idaho? There are a few factors you should consider. Find out how long the daycare is open and what hours it operates. Also, ask what you should bring for your child, other children and the staff. Find out if the center is licensed in your area. Also, look at the hourly rates. Then, you can decide whether this center is right for your child.
Child care tax credit
Child care costs are soaring in Idaho, and the state’s tax code helps to ease the burden on families through the Child Tax Credit. Currently, Idaho offers a tax credit of $205 per child. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2012 has expanded the definition of “child” to include children up to the age of 17 starting in 2021. The state legislature should approve the change to include 17-year-olds in the state child credit.
To claim the credit, you must provide child care while you are working or attending school. You must have earned income to qualify. You must provide care for your dependents for at least half of their time. There are some limits on the amount of the credit. In Idaho, the credit can only be used for expenses related to care for dependent children. The income requirements are very low, but there are ways to claim it for as little as $20 per day.
Dependent care assistance plan
A state-funded program, called IdahoSTARS, is helping families in Idaho afford quality childcare. It is funded through a joint effort between the University of Idaho’s Center on Disabilities and Human Development, the Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children, and the Department of Health and Welfare. To apply, visit the state’s 2-1-1 website. Or call the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.
If you are concerned about the cost of child care in Boise, Idaho, you may be eligible for the Idaho Child Care Program. This program offers financial assistance to low-income families who are working, attending school, or participating in approved short-term activities. This program pays for a portion of the costs of childcare for low-income families, with parents only paying a co-payment based on their income and family size.
Quality child care
In Idaho, the child care subsidy is set at the 65th to 75th percentile of market rates. The subsidy is slightly higher for infant care. The program is widely considered to be a best practice nationally, designed to encourage providers to maintain their businesses and avoid arbitrarily raising their prices. While some providers have responded to the new rules by raising their prices, others have said they don’t have the resources to increase their rates.
In Idaho, there are about 800 child care providers that qualify for the state’s child care subsidy program. Participating centers must have regular health inspections and CPR training. These centers also have to complete 12 hours of professional development each year. However, unlike in many other states, higher quality child care centers aren’t automatically awarded more subsidy. To get the best child care in Boise, you can check out some of the programs below.
Hourly rates
With the high cost of child care, families in the Treasure Valley are trying to find affordable alternatives. Child care centers in Idaho are not cheap, and parents often have to work two jobs to afford the service. Fortunately, there are options available for parents looking for a lower-cost option. In-home child care can be a cost-effective solution for working parents. Ashley Jackson, a mother of two in Boise, Idaho, says that her husband pays for the daycare in her home, while she works full-time.
The state government provides some financial assistance to low-income families, including the Idaho Child Care Program. These programs help families find affordable childcare options and support their employment goals. The ICCP requires parents to report any changes in income and household size to ensure accurate coverage. Inability to report changes may result in overpayment or fraud penalties. The ICCP has strict guidelines and requires parents to abide by them. However, it is worth checking if the facility you choose offers this service.
Resources for parents
If you’re looking for resources for parents of children in Boise, Idaho, you’ll be pleased to find a wealth of options. For instance, the Idaho Field Office of Casey Family Programs provides clinical case management services for youth, families, and young adults transitioning from foster care. This agency focuses on family involvement and support, and supports innovative programming to increase service options for children and their families.
In addition to the above services, families can find a host of other programs in the area, including IFF. This nonprofit organization offers education and direct support to families. It also manages a list of community counseling organizations and accepts Medicaid. Its mission is to ensure that children have the best possible start in life, and this is achieved through prevention, education, and support. For example, the nonprofit Children and Families Idaho accepts the Idaho Medicaid program.
Staff shortages
There’s no denying that many families in the area are struggling with a lack of childcare options. As more parents opt to work from home, child care providers are struggling to hire and retain staff. In response, many have turned to government grant programs to ease the burden of the financial crisis. Despite these efforts, the situation isn’t getting any better. Many Idaho child care providers have been placed on wait lists due to the lack of qualified workers.
One way to solve the issue of worker shortages is to expand daycare facilities. Gov. Brad Little has proposed using coronavirus relief money to increase the availability of qualified staff. But in the meantime, daycare centers need help. The current unemployment rate in Idaho is 2.9%, back to pre-pandemic levels. In contrast, when COVID-19 spread across the state, unemployment was double digits. Many employers are unable to hire enough staff, and if these workers leave the industry, the children will suffer.