The Best Daycare Centers in Felt, ID
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Felt. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Felt
Teton Valley Early Learning Center
Independent
Teton Valley Early Learning Center is a highly-regarded facility serving the entire Teton Valley region including Felt. They offer a comprehensive play-based curriculum that incorporates Montessori and Reggio Emilia principles. The center features state-certified early childhood educators with low student-teacher ratios (4:1 for infants, 6:1 for toddlers). Their facility includes secure indoor learning environments with modern safety systems and expansive outdoor play areas with nature-based learning spaces. They provide organic meals and snacks, daily parent communication through an app, and developmental milestone tracking. Their location in nearby Driggs makes them easily accessible for Felt families commuting through Teton Pass.
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Little Learners Preschool & Daycare
Independent
Little Learners serves the Teton Valley community with a focus on individualized developmental care. Their curriculum blends structured academic preparation with creative exploration, featuring daily literacy activities, STEM projects, and arts integration. The center employs experienced early childhood professionals with background-checked staff and ongoing training requirements. Safety features include secured entry systems, comprehensive health protocols, and regular safety drills. They offer flexible scheduling options that accommodate the needs of Felt families, with extended hours for commuting parents. The facility includes dedicated age-appropriate classrooms and a fenced outdoor playground with natural elements.
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Teton Tot Spot
Independent
Teton Tot Spot provides quality childcare services to the greater Teton Valley area, including Felt residents. They specialize in creating a home-like environment with structured educational programming. Their approach emphasizes social-emotional development through guided play and cooperative learning activities. The center features qualified caregivers with CPR/first aid certification and specialized training in early childhood development. Their facility includes separate nap rooms, age-appropriate learning centers, and a secure outdoor play space. They offer unique flexibility with drop-in care options, making them particularly valuable for families in smaller communities like Felt who may need occasional childcare support.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Felt, ID
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Felt, Idaho, and how can I verify a provider's license?
In Idaho, all childcare providers caring for four or more unrelated children must be licensed by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. This includes family childcare homes and childcare centers. Licensed providers in Felt must meet state standards for safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, health and sanitation, and ongoing training. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the Idaho Child Care Program's online search tool on the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare website or contact the local licensing office for Region 6, which serves Fremont County. It's highly recommended to only use licensed care to ensure basic health and safety standards are met.
Given Felt's small, rural setting, what types of childcare options are typically available, and are waitlists common?
In a small community like Felt, options are often limited to licensed family childcare homes run out of a provider's residence. There are no large childcare centers in Felt itself. Due to this limited supply, waitlists are very common and can be lengthy, sometimes several months to a year, especially for infant care. Many families in the area also rely on informal arrangements with neighbors, relatives, or nanny-shares. It's advisable to begin your search during pregnancy and to expand your search to nearby towns like Ashton, St. Anthony, or even Rexburg (about a 45-minute drive) for more center-based options, though commuting will be a factor.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare in Felt, Idaho, and are there any financial assistance programs available?
For licensed family childcare homes in the Felt area, you can expect to pay an average of $120 to $180 per week for full-time care for a preschool-aged child. Infant care is typically more expensive, often ranging from $150 to $220 per week. These rates are generally lower than in larger Idaho cities but reflect the limited local supply. Financial assistance is available through the Idaho Child Care Program (ICCP), which provides subsidies to eligible low-income working families or those in education/training programs. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need. You can apply through the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.
How do seasonal changes and the local agricultural economy in Fremont County impact childcare availability and schedules?
Felt's location in a major agricultural region means childcare needs can be seasonal. During peak farming seasons (planting and harvest), some providers may adjust hours or have increased demand from farmworker families. Conversely, some family childcare providers may take vacations or have reduced hours during the winter months. It's crucial to discuss potential schedule changes with any provider upfront. Furthermore, some providers may offer more flexible or extended hours to accommodate parents with non-traditional or shift work common in agriculture and related industries. Always clarify policies for holidays, snow days, and seasonal closures.
What should I look for or ask about specifically when touring a potential daycare home in Felt?
Beyond general safety and cleanliness, ask specific questions relevant to the rural setting. Inquire about their emergency preparedness plan for severe weather (common in the region) and their protocol for communication/pickup if roads are difficult. Ask about outdoor play space and activities, as access to nature is a benefit in Felt. Given the potential for wildlife, ask about pest control and fencing. Check their transportation policy if the provider does school pickups for older siblings at the local schools in Ashton or Tetonia. Finally, discuss their illness policy in detail, as access to immediate pediatric care requires a drive to a larger town, so their thresholds for sending a child home are important to understand.