The Best Daycare Centers in Medimont, ID
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Medimont. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Medimont
Little Lambs Christian Preschool & Daycare
Independent Christian Center
Little Lambs is a highly-regarded Christian childcare center located in nearby Harrison, serving the entire Lake Coeur d'Alene region including Medimont families. They offer a comprehensive developmental curriculum that integrates faith-based values with early childhood education standards. The center features low teacher-to-child ratios, certified early childhood educators, and a nurturing environment focused on social-emotional development. Their facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor play areas, and a structured daily schedule that balances learning activities with creative play. They provide nutritious meals and snacks, maintain excellent safety protocols, and have strong parent communication systems.
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The Children's Village
Independent Nonprofit Center
The Children's Village is a highly respected nonprofit childcare center in Coeur d'Alene that serves families throughout Kootenai County, including Medimont residents. They employ a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation, featuring certified teachers with early childhood education degrees. The center boasts state-of-the-art security systems, developmentally appropriate learning environments, and comprehensive curriculum that includes literacy, math, science, and social studies. They maintain excellent staff retention rates, offer nutritional meal programs, and provide extensive parent involvement opportunities. Their facility includes multiple outdoor learning environments and specialized activity rooms.
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Kootenai Kids
Kootenai Health Early Learning Center
Kootenai Kids is part of the Kootenai Health system and provides exceptional childcare services to employees and community members throughout the region, including Medimont families. They feature a research-based curriculum focused on whole-child development, with emphasis on cognitive, physical, and social-emotional growth. The center employs highly qualified staff with background checks and ongoing professional development requirements. Their facility includes secure access systems, health and wellness programs, modern learning materials, and age-appropriate playgrounds. They maintain strict health and safety protocols, offer flexible scheduling options, and provide regular developmental assessments with parent conferences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Medimont, ID
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Medimont, Idaho, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Medimont, Idaho, all childcare facilities caring for four or more children unrelated to the provider must be licensed by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW). This includes home-based daycares and childcare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet state standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and training. To verify a facility's compliance, you can use the "Child Care Search" tool on the IDHW website, which shows a provider's license status, any history of complaints or violations, and their current capacity. Given Medimont's smaller, rural setting, it's especially important to confirm licensing, as informal arrangements are common. Always ask to see the provider's current license during your visit.
Given Medimont's rural location, what types of childcare options are typically available, and are waitlists common?
In Medimont and the surrounding Kootenai County area, childcare options are primarily licensed family home daycares, which operate out of a provider's residence. There are very few, if any, large childcare centers in the immediate Medimont area. Due to this limited supply, waitlists for reputable providers are very common and can be several months long, especially for infant care. Many families also utilize in-home nannies or share a nanny with another family. It's highly recommended to begin your search during pregnancy or at least 6-9 months before you need care. Networking through local community groups or Facebook pages like "Medimont Community Board" can help you discover smaller, licensed home providers.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Medimont, Idaho?
In Medimont and the broader rural North Idaho region, costs for full-time daycare are generally lower than in urban areas like Coeur d'Alene, but availability heavily influences price. For a licensed family home daycare, you can expect to pay an average of $600 to $800 per month for full-time infant or toddler care. Rates may be slightly lower for preschool-aged children. These costs are typically all-inclusive of meals and snacks. For comparison, a nanny or nanny-share arrangement would be significantly more expensive, often starting at $15-$18 per hour. It's crucial to ask what the weekly fee includes and if there are extra charges for late pick-up or supplies.
Are there any state or local programs in Idaho that help with childcare costs for families in Medimont?
Yes, Idaho offers the Child Care Program (CCP), which is an income-based subsidy administered by the Department of Health and Welfare. Eligibility depends on family size, income, and reasons for needing care (such as employment or education). Many licensed providers in the Medimont area accept CCP subsidies. Additionally, you may be eligible for the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit on your annual taxes. For local resources, you can contact the Panhandle Health District or the Community Action Partnership in nearby Coeur d'Alene for guidance on assistance programs and navigating the application process. Early application is key, as funding can be limited.
What should I look for and ask about during a daycare tour in a home-based setting in Medimont?
Touring a home-based daycare in a rural community like Medimont requires attention to both state standards and the unique home environment. Key things to look for and ask include: **Safety:** Are there secure gates for stairs, covered electrical outlets, and a safe, fenced outdoor play area? Ask about their emergency plan for fires or medical issues. **Space:** Is there a dedicated, child-proofed area for play, eating, and napping? **Licensing:** Confirm their license is current and ask about their maximum capacity. **Daily Routine:** Request a sample schedule for meals, naps, and activities. **Policies:** Clearly understand their sick policy, hours, holiday closures, and payment schedule. Given the setting, also ask about pets and how they are managed. Trust your instincts about the caregiver's warmth and interaction with the children.