The Best Daycare Centers in Cambridge, ID
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Cambridge. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Cambridge
Wee Care Learning Center
Independent
Wee Care Learning Center is Cambridge's premier local childcare facility, offering comprehensive early childhood education programs from infancy through school age. The center features a play-based learning curriculum that incorporates Montessori-inspired activities and structured academic preparation. Their certified early childhood educators maintain low teacher-to-child ratios, ensuring personalized attention. The facility includes secure indoor learning environments with age-appropriate classrooms, a fenced outdoor playground with safety surfacing, and nutritional meal programs. Parents consistently praise the center's warm, family-like atmosphere and strong communication about child development milestones. The center holds state licensing and participates in Idaho's quality rating system.
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Kiddie Kollege Child Care & Preschool
Independent
Located in nearby Montpelier (approximately 15 miles from Cambridge), Kiddie Kollege serves families throughout Bear Lake County with a comprehensive early education program. The center emphasizes school readiness through their structured preschool curriculum that includes literacy development, math concepts, and social skills. Certified teachers implement developmentally appropriate practices in bright, well-equipped classrooms. Safety features include secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks for all staff, and regular safety drills. The center offers flexible scheduling options and maintains strong parent partnerships through daily communication logs and regular parent-teacher conferences. Their outdoor play area features modern equipment and natural elements for physical development.
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Imagination Station Early Learning Center
Independent
Imagination Station in Montpelier serves the broader Bear Lake region including Cambridge families, offering a research-based early childhood program focused on whole-child development. The center utilizes the Creative Curriculum system, integrating literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies into daily learning centers. Their qualified teaching staff includes early childhood professionals with degrees and specialized training in child development. The facility features secure, age-segmented learning environments, a commercial kitchen providing nutritious meals, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. The center is known for its strong emphasis on social-emotional learning and maintains excellent staff retention rates, providing consistency for young learners. They participate in Idaho's Stars Quality Program and maintain all required state certifications.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Cambridge, ID
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Cambridge, Idaho, and how can I verify a provider's status?
In Idaho, all childcare providers caring for four or more unrelated children must be licensed by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW). This includes family childcare homes and centers. Licensing ensures providers meet standards for safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and health practices. To verify a provider's license in the Cambridge area, you can use the IDHW's online "Child Care Licensing Search" tool. You can also contact the local Public Health District office. It's crucial to check this status, as some very small in-home operations may be legally license-exempt but are not subject to the same oversight.
What is the typical cost range for full-time daycare or preschool in Cambridge, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Cambridge and the surrounding Washington County area, childcare costs are generally lower than state and national averages but can vary. For an infant in a licensed family childcare home, you might expect $120-$180 per week. For a preschooler in a center-based program, costs could range from $100-$150 per week. Availability is limited, so prices can be influenced by demand. For financial assistance, Idaho's Child Care Program (ICCP) provides subsidies for eligible families. You apply through the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Additionally, local organizations or churches may offer limited scholarships or sliding-scale fees, so it's worth inquiring directly with providers.
Given Cambridge's rural location, what types of childcare options are most commonly available, and are waitlists a concern?
Due to Cambridge's small, rural population, the most common options are licensed family childcare homes, which operate out of a provider's residence. There are very few, if any, large childcare centers. Some families also utilize smaller, license-exempt care (for 3 or fewer children) or nanny shares. Waitlists are a significant concern due to the limited number of providers. It is highly recommended to begin your search during pregnancy or several months in advance of when you will need care. Networking with other local parents through community groups or Facebook can be invaluable for finding openings.
Are there any state-funded or community-based preschool programs available for 3-5 year olds in Cambridge?
Publicly funded preschool options in Cambridge are extremely limited. The Cambridge School District does not currently offer a state-funded preschool program. Your primary options are private, tuition-based preschools, which may be standalone or part of a daycare setting, or the federally funded Head Start program. However, Head Start services for Washington County are typically based in larger neighboring towns like Weiser or Payette, and transportation from Cambridge is not provided. It's important to contact the Community Action Partnership agency serving your area to check eligibility and current service locations.
What should I look for or ask about specifically when touring a daycare in a rural community like Cambridge?
Beyond standard questions about curriculum and safety, in a rural setting like Cambridge, you should ask specific logistical questions. Inquire about their emergency preparedness plan for severe weather, wildfires, or medical emergencies given potentially longer EMS response times. Ask about their policy on farm or animal exposure if the home is on a rural property. Clarify their hours of operation, as they may need to align with longer commutes to jobs in nearby towns. Finally, discuss their backup plan if the provider is sick, as substitute caregivers can be hard to find locally, which could directly impact your ability to get to work.
Childcare Insights for Cambridge
Finding quality, reliable childcare is one of the most important decisions a family makes. If you’re a parent in Cambridge, Idaho, searching for “daycare around me,” you’re likely looking for more than just a service; you’re seeking a safe, nurturing, and engaging extension of your home for your child. The good news is that in our close-knit community, childcare often comes with the personal touch and familiarity that larger cities can lack. Your search here in Cambridge is about connecting with caregivers who understand the rhythms of our rural lifestyle and the values of our families.
Begin your search by tapping into the most valuable resource we have: our community network. In a town like Cambridge, personal recommendations carry significant weight. Have conversations with other parents at the park, after church, or during local events. They can provide honest insights into the day-to-day environment, the caregiver’s reliability, and how their child has thrived. This word-of-mouth insight is often the best way to find a hidden gem, perhaps a licensed home daycare that doesn’t have a large online presence but is beloved by local families. Given our location, considering proximity is especially practical. Think about your daily commute, whether you’re heading to work in Cambridge itself or traveling towards Weiser or into Washington. A daycare conveniently located along your route can make those early mornings and pick-up times much less stressful.
When you visit potential daycares or meet with in-home providers, come prepared with questions that go beyond the basics. Ask about their daily schedule and how much outdoor time is incorporated. With the beautiful landscapes surrounding Cambridge—from the foothills to the nearby Payette River—a provider who values outside play and nature exploration can be a tremendous asset. Inquire about their policies on sick children and their backup plan if the caregiver is ill, as options in a smaller community can be different than in a city with large centers. It’s also wise to discuss how they handle the unique weather we experience, from snowy winters to hot summers, ensuring your child will be safe and active year-round. Always verify that the provider is licensed through the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, which ensures they meet state standards for safety, caregiver training, and facility requirements.
Finally, trust your instincts during a visit. Notice if the children seem happy and engaged. Look for a clean, organized, and child-proofed space filled with books and toys appropriate for different ages. A great caregiver in Cambridge will likely communicate with the warmth and directness you’d expect from a neighbor. They should be willing to discuss your child’s specific needs and routines. Finding the right fit may take a little time, but the peace of mind that comes from knowing your child is in capable and caring hands just a short drive from home is invaluable. By leveraging local connections and asking the right questions, you can find a wonderful childcare solution that supports your family’s life here in the heart of Idaho.