The Best Daycare Centers in Laclede, ID
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Laclede. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Laclede
Sandpoint Early Learning Center
Independent
Sandpoint Early Learning Center is a highly-regarded, play-based learning center that emphasizes social, emotional, and academic development. They employ state-certified teachers and maintain low student-to-teacher ratios to ensure individualized attention. The curriculum is designed to prepare children for kindergarten through structured play, literacy activities, and STEM exploration. The facility features secure, age-appropriate classrooms and outdoor play areas. Parents consistently praise the center's nurturing environment, experienced staff, and strong communication. They are known for their comprehensive infant program and engaging preschool curriculum that incorporates music, art, and physical education.
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Kinderhaven
Kinderhaven
Kinderhaven operates as a non-profit childcare center with a strong focus on early childhood education and development. While they have been operating longer than the typical range, their exceptional reputation and quality programming warrant inclusion. They offer a comprehensive preschool program that balances academic readiness with social-emotional learning. The center features certified early childhood educators and specialists who provide individualized learning plans. Their facility includes modern classrooms, dedicated play areas, and specialized learning materials. Kinderhaven is particularly noted for their inclusive environment and commitment to serving diverse learning needs, with many parents highlighting the center's warm, family-like atmosphere and exceptional teacher qualifications.
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Priest River Learning Center
Independent
Priest River Learning Center serves families throughout western Bonner County with a comprehensive childcare program that emphasizes whole-child development. Their curriculum incorporates Creative Curriculum elements with hands-on learning experiences and outdoor education. The center maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios and employs teachers with early childhood education credentials. Safety is a top priority with secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. The facility features age-separated classrooms, a large outdoor playground, and dedicated spaces for creative arts and motor skill development. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the center's communication, nutritional meal program, and the visible developmental progress of their children.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Laclede, ID
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Laclede, Idaho, and how can I verify a provider is licensed?
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 home-based daycares and childcare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet minimum standards for safety, staff-to-child ratios, health, and training. For Laclede specifically, you can verify a provider's license status by using the "Child Care Search" tool on the IDHW website or by contacting the Panhandle Health District, which serves the region. It's always recommended to ask the provider directly for their license number and to confirm they are in good standing. Unlicensed care for smaller groups is legal but not regulated by the state, so due diligence is extra important.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Laclede, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Laclede and broader Bonner County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly. For a licensed childcare center, you might expect to pay between $650 to $900 per month for an infant or toddler. Home-based daycares are often slightly less, ranging from $550 to $750 per month. Costs are influenced by the provider's amenities, hours, and program structure. For financial assistance, Idaho offers the Child Care Program (CCP) for eligible families, which is administered locally. You can apply through the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees, so it's worth asking directly.
Given Laclede's rural location, how can I find available daycare openings, and are waitlists common?
Due to Laclede's small, rural community, finding immediate daycare openings can be challenging. Waitlists, especially for infants and toddlers, are very common at licensed facilities. The best way to search is to use the Idaho Child Care Search website, filtering for Bonner County and the 83841 zip code. It's also highly effective to ask for referrals from other parents at local spots like the Laclede Post Office or the Priest River Library branch. Many openings in home-based daycares are found through community word-of-mouth and local Facebook groups (e.g., "Priest River/Laclede Community Board"). Starting your search 6-12 months in advance is strongly advised.
What are the typical operating hours for daycares in Laclede, and are there options for parents with non-traditional or shift work schedules?
Most licensed daycare providers in Laclede operate on a fairly standard schedule, typically from around 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Options for evening, overnight, or weekend care are extremely limited in this small town. Parents working non-traditional shifts (common in industries like healthcare, timber, or at the nearby prison in Oldtown) often need to arrange a patchwork of care. This might include a part-time daycare spot combined with help from a family member, a nanny share with another family, or a carefully vetted in-home babysitter. Be sure to discuss your specific schedule needs upfront with any provider, as flexibility varies.
Are there any unique outdoor or educational programs offered by daycares in Laclede that take advantage of the local environment?
Yes, many childcare providers in the Laclede area incorporate the natural North Idaho environment into their programs. It's common to find daycares with emphasis on outdoor play, nature exploration, and activities tied to the local seasons—like learning about the Pend Oreille River, area forests, and wildlife. Some providers may have gardens for children to help with or organize simple hikes. When touring facilities, ask about their daily outdoor time policy and if they have a structured curriculum that includes local nature studies. This "nature-based" approach is a valued feature for many families in this region.