The Best Daycare Centers in Plummer, ID
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Plummer. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Plummer
The Learning Experience - Coeur d'Alene
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience offers a comprehensive early education curriculum with proprietary programs like L.E.A.P. (Learning Experience Academic Program) and phonics-based instruction. The center features state-of-the-art facilities with secure entry systems, certified early childhood educators, and developmentally appropriate learning environments. They emphasize both academic preparation and character development through their philanthropy-based curriculum. The center maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios and offers enrichment programs including music, movement, and foreign language exposure.
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The Children's Village
Independent
The Children's Village provides a nurturing, play-based learning environment with a strong emphasis on social-emotional development. Their curriculum is designed to foster curiosity and creativity through hands-on activities and exploration. The facility features secure access controls, outdoor play areas with natural elements, and age-appropriate classrooms. Staff members hold early childhood education credentials and participate in ongoing professional development. The center is known for its inclusive environment and strong parent-teacher communication through regular updates and family events.
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Little Lambs Preschool & Childcare
Independent
Little Lambs offers a faith-based early childhood program that combines academic readiness with Christian values in a warm, family-oriented environment. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, math readiness, and social skills development through structured activities and free play. The center features secure facilities with monitored access, age-appropriate learning materials, and outdoor play spaces. Qualified teachers maintain low child-to-staff ratios and provide individualized attention. The program emphasizes character development, community involvement, and preparing children for kindergarten success through a balanced approach to learning.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Plummer, ID
What are the main types of licensed childcare available in Plummer, Idaho?
In Plummer, Idaho, licensed childcare options primarily consist of family childcare homes and potentially small center-based programs. Due to the city's smaller, rural nature, family childcare homes are the most common. These are licensed providers who care for children in their own residences, typically offering a more intimate, home-like setting for a smaller group of children (usually up to 12, depending on ages and license type). There are also licensed childcare centers, though they may be fewer in number and could be located in nearby communities like Worley or Coeur d'Alene. All licensed providers in Idaho must meet state standards for health, safety, staff training, and program activities, which are enforced by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.
How much does daycare typically cost in Plummer, and are there any financial assistance programs?
Daycare costs in Plummer are generally lower than in larger Idaho cities like Coeur d'Alene or Boise, but availability can significantly influence price. For a licensed family childcare home, you might expect to pay between $120 to $180 per week for full-time infant or toddler care. Preschool-age care may range from $100 to $150 per week. Financial assistance is available through the Idaho Child Care Program (ICCP), a state-administered subsidy for eligible low-income working families, those in training/education, or those receiving protective services. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need. Parents should apply through the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts.
Are there long waitlists for daycare in Plummer, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Given Plummer's size and limited number of providers, waitlists for quality, licensed childcare can be common and sometimes lengthy, especially for infant care. It is highly recommended to begin your search at least 6 to 9 months before you need care, and if you are expecting, to get on lists during your second trimester. Many family childcare homes have limited capacity (often just a few infant slots), so they fill up quickly. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist status, estimated timeline, and if they require a deposit to hold a spot. Being flexible with your start date can improve your chances of securing a spot sooner.
What should I look for when visiting a potential daycare provider in Plummer?
When visiting a daycare in Plummer, beyond checking their valid Idaho state license posted visibly, focus on factors crucial in a rural setting. Observe the cleanliness and safety of the home or facility, including secure outdoor play areas. Ask about their emergency plans for severe weather or medical situations, considering proximity to local services. Inquire about daily routines, educational activities, and meal provisions. Given the community's cultural context, you may want to ask if they incorporate any Coeur d'Alene Tribe cultural elements or language, if that is important to your family. Finally, trust your instincts on the caregiver's warmth, interaction with children, and communication style. Asking for references from current or past parents is always a good step.
What are the state licensing requirements for daycare providers in Idaho that I should be aware of?
All licensed childcare providers in Plummer must comply with Idaho's "Rules for Licensed Child Care Facilities." Key requirements include: passing background checks for all adults in the home or center, completing pediatric first aid and CPR certification, adhering to specific child-to-staff ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants under 24 months in a family home), and ensuring ongoing training in topics like child development and safe sleep practices. Homes and centers are subject to annual unannounced inspections by the state to check for compliance with health, safety, and program standards. You can verify a provider's license status and view their inspection history through the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare's online licensing lookup tool, which is an essential step in your vetting process.