The Best Daycare Centers in Parker, ID
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Parker. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Parker
Little Lambs Learning Center
Independent
Little Lambs Learning Center serves Parker and surrounding communities with a comprehensive early childhood education program. Their curriculum emphasizes play-based learning and developmental milestones, with certified early childhood educators leading age-appropriate activities. The center features secure facilities with monitored access, outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups, and nutritional meal programs. They maintain low teacher-to-child ratios and provide regular progress reports to parents. Specializing in creating a nurturing environment, they focus on social-emotional development alongside academic readiness.
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Tender Hearts Childcare & Preschool
Independent
Tender Hearts provides quality childcare services to Parker area families with a focus on individualized attention and developmental appropriate practices. Their experienced staff includes CPR and First Aid certified caregivers with early childhood education backgrounds. The facility offers structured learning activities, creative arts programs, and outdoor recreation in safe, well-maintained environments. They emphasize literacy development, social skills building, and hands-on learning experiences. Parent communication is prioritized through daily reports and regular conferences.
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Kid's World Daycare & Learning Center
Independent
Serving Parker and the greater Fremont County area, Kid's World offers a balanced approach to early childhood education combining structured learning with creative exploration. Their qualified teaching staff implements a comprehensive curriculum that includes language development, mathematics readiness, science exploration, and social studies. The center features modern security systems, age-appropriate learning materials, and spacious indoor/outdoor play areas. They provide nutritional snacks and meals while focusing on building foundational skills for kindergarten readiness through hands-on activities and individualized learning plans.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Parker, ID
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Parker, 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 health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and training. For Parker specifically, you can verify a provider's license status and view any inspection reports through the "Child Care Search" tool on the IDHW website. It's also advisable to contact the local licensing office for Region 6, which serves Fremont County, for any specific local inquiries. Unlicensed providers caring for three or fewer children are legally exempt but are not subject to state oversight, so due diligence is extra important.
Given Parker's small, rural setting, what types of childcare options are typically available, and are waitlists common?
In a small community like Parker, your primary options are typically licensed family childcare homes run out of a provider's residence and possibly smaller, home-based preschool programs. Larger childcare centers are less common and may be located in nearby larger towns like St. Anthony or Rexburg. Due to the limited number of providers, waitlists are very common and can be lengthy, sometimes several months to a year, especially for infant care. It is strongly recommended that parents in Parker begin their search and get on waitlists as early as possible, even during pregnancy. Networking with other local parents through community groups or churches can also help uncover potential openings.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for a toddler in Parker, Idaho?
While specific Parker data is limited, costs in rural Fremont County are generally lower than Idaho's urban areas but can vary. For a toddler in a licensed family childcare home in the Parker area, you can expect to pay approximately $120 to $180 per week for full-time care. Costs may be slightly higher for infants due to lower staff-to-child ratios. Prices can depend on the provider's experience, included amenities (meals, curriculum), and hours of operation. Always ask what is included in the weekly rate. For comparison, center-based care in nearby Rexburg can average $150-$220 per week.
Are there any state or local financial assistance programs to help with childcare costs for families in Parker?
Yes, the primary program is Idaho's Child Care Program (ICCP), which is Idaho's version of the federal Child Care and Development Fund. This program provides subsidies to eligible low-income families who are working, attending school, or in job training. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need. You apply through the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Additionally, you may be eligible for the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit on your income taxes. For local resources, it's worth checking with the Community Action Partnership in the region or the Fremont County Health Department for any temporary or emergency assistance programs.
What should I look for and ask about during a daycare visit in a rural home-based setting in Parker?
Visiting a family childcare home is crucial. First, confirm their IDHW license is current and posted. Ask about the provider's experience, training in CPR/First Aid, and their emergency plan for things like fires or medical issues, considering Parker's distance from major hospitals. Observe the safety of the home: Are outlets covered, is there a secure outdoor play area, and are cleaning supplies locked away? Inquire about the daily schedule, educational philosophy, meal provisions, and their policy on sick children. Given the rural setting, ask about backup care plans if the provider is ill. Finally, request references from current or past parents in the community to get firsthand feedback on reliability and quality.