The Best Daycare Centers in Lowman, ID
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lowman. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lowman
Garden Valley Preschool
Independent
Garden Valley Preschool serves the Lowman area with a nature-based educational approach that leverages the surrounding forest environment. The center features a play-based curriculum with structured learning activities that focus on early literacy, math readiness, and social-emotional development. Certified teachers maintain low student-teacher ratios, and the facility includes both indoor classrooms and extensive outdoor play areas. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through gardening, nature exploration, and seasonal activities. Safety protocols include secure entry systems and regular emergency drills. Parents praise the center's nurturing environment and strong community connections.
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Idaho City Learning Center
Independent
Serving families throughout Boise County including Lowman, Idaho City Learning Center provides comprehensive childcare with a focus on developmental milestones. The center employs state-certified early childhood educators who implement a structured curriculum incorporating Montessori-inspired elements. Facilities include age-appropriate learning environments, secure outdoor playgrounds, and dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas. The center emphasizes individualized learning plans, regular parent-teacher conferences, and nutritional meal programs. Safety features include coded entry systems, comprehensive background checks for staff, and updated security cameras throughout the facility.
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The Goddard School of Boise
Goddard Systems, Inc.
While located in Boise, The Goddard School serves families throughout the region including those commuting from Lowman. The center features a proprietary F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic preparation with social development. All lead teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and the facility includes STEM labs, art studios, and multiple playgrounds designed for different age groups. The school maintains rigorous safety standards including secure check-in systems, comprehensive staff training, and regular facility inspections. Parents consistently praise the school's communication systems, qualified staff, and well-rounded curriculum that prepares children for elementary school.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lowman, ID
What are the main types of licensed childcare available in Lowman, Idaho, given its rural setting?
In Lowman, due to its small, rural population, licensed childcare options are primarily limited to Family Child Care Homes. These are in-home providers licensed by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to care for a small number of children, typically up to 12, depending on ages and staff ratios. There are no large daycare centers in Lowman itself. Some families may also utilize legally exempt "Relative/Neighbor Care" for fewer than 4 unrelated children, but this is not licensed or regulated by the state. For more structured preschool or center-based care, parents often need to look in larger nearby communities like Idaho City or Boise, which involves a significant commute.
How can I verify the license and inspection history of a childcare provider in Lowman?
All licensed Family Child Care Homes in Idaho, including any in Lowman, are regulated by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. You can verify a provider's license status and review their compliance history online through the Idaho Child Care Program Licensing search tool on the Department's website. This public database shows the license type, capacity, issue/expiration dates, and any serious licensing violations or corrective actions from the past three years. It's highly recommended to check this resource and also ask the provider directly for references from current or past clients.
What is the typical cost for full-time childcare in Lowman, and are there any financial assistance programs available?
Childcare costs in rural areas like Lowman can vary widely but are often lower than in urban centers like Boise, typically ranging from $100 to $175 per week for full-time care in a Family Child Care Home. However, availability is the greater challenge than cost. For financial assistance, Idaho offers the Child Care Program (CCP) subsidy for eligible low-income working families, students, or those in training. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need. You apply through the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Additionally, some providers may offer sibling discounts.
Are there any licensed childcare providers in Lowman that offer care for infants or non-traditional hours for shift workers?
Finding infant care (children under 2) in Lowman is particularly difficult due to stricter staff-to-child ratios, making it less feasible for small in-home providers. You may need to expand your search to Idaho City or Cascade. Regarding non-traditional hours, it is very rare to find licensed providers in Lowman offering evening, overnight, or weekend care. The limited number of providers typically operate during standard daytime hours. Parents working shifts in forestry, healthcare, or at the local hot springs may need to arrange a patchwork of private, unregulated care with neighbors or family members.
What should I look for or ask about when visiting a potential in-home daycare in Lowman, considering the remote location?
Given the isolation, safety and preparedness are paramount. Key questions to ask include: What is your emergency plan for medical situations, wildfires, or severe winter weather, and how do you practice it? What is your backup plan if you, the sole provider, are sick? How do you handle food supplies and power outages? Inspect the home for childproofing, cleanliness, and safe outdoor play areas. Ask about daily routines, educational activities, and screen time policies. Also, discuss their policy on sick children, as in a small community, illnesses spread quickly. Always request and contact multiple references from other local families.