The Best Daycare Centers in Shelley, ID
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Shelley. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Shelley
Shelley Head Start
Community Development Institute Head Start
Shelley Head Start provides comprehensive early childhood education with a focus on school readiness for children from low-income families. The program emphasizes literacy development, social-emotional learning, and health services. Certified teachers implement research-based curriculum with small class sizes and individualized attention. The center offers nutritious meals, family engagement programs, and connects families with community resources. What sets this facility apart is their holistic approach that supports both child development and family wellbeing through extensive support services.
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Brighton Early Childhood Center
Independent
Located in nearby Idaho Falls (serving the Shelley area), Brighton Early Childhood Center offers a comprehensive educational program from infancy through school age. The center features a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation. Their curriculum includes STEM activities, literacy development, and creative arts. The facility boasts secure access systems, certified teachers with early childhood degrees, and developmentally appropriate classrooms. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, experienced staff, and the visible progress children make in both social and academic skills.
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The Learning Tree
Independent
The Learning Tree in Idaho Falls serves families throughout the region including Shelley with a strong academic-focused preschool program. Their curriculum emphasizes kindergarten readiness through phonics-based reading instruction, mathematics foundation, and social skills development. The center features low student-teacher ratios, certified early childhood educators, and a structured yet nurturing environment. The facility includes modern classrooms, safe outdoor play areas, and comprehensive learning materials. Parents highlight the exceptional preparation children receive for elementary school and the caring, professional teaching staff.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Shelley, ID
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Shelley, Idaho, and how can I verify a provider's status?
In Shelley, 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 childcare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet state standards for safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, health and sanitation, and program activities. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the Idaho Child Care Search tool on the IDHW website. It's highly recommended to only use licensed providers, as this offers a basic level of oversight and protection. You can also contact the Eastern Idaho Public Health District, which serves Bingham County, for additional local resources and information on regulations.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Shelley, and are there any financial assistance programs available?
In Shelley and the surrounding Bingham County area, the average cost for full-time infant care typically ranges from $500 to $700 per month. For toddlers, costs may be slightly lower, often between $450 and $650 per month. These rates can vary based on the type of care (center-based vs. in-home), the provider's experience, and included amenities like meals. For financial assistance, Idaho offers the Child Care Program (CCP) for eligible low-income families, which provides subsidies to help cover costs. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and work or school requirements. Applications are processed through the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Shelley, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to limited options in a smaller community like Shelley, waitlists for licensed daycare centers and popular in-home providers can be significant. It is not uncommon for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long, especially for infant spots, which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. To secure a spot, parents should begin their search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or at least 6-9 months before their needed start date. Be proactive: contact multiple providers, ask detailed questions about their waitlist process (e.g., if a deposit is required to hold a spot), and check in periodically for updates. Exploring providers in nearby towns like Idaho Falls or Blackfoot may also be necessary.
What are the main types of childcare options available specifically in Shelley, ID?
Parents in Shelley generally have three primary types of licensed childcare options. First, **Licensed Family Childcare Homes**: These are small, home-based settings often caring for a mixed-age group of up to 12 children. They can offer a more flexible, family-like environment. Second, **Childcare Centers**: These are larger facilities, such as preschools or dedicated daycare centers, which may offer more structured educational programs and multiple classrooms. Shelley has a limited number of these, so some parents look to nearby Idaho Falls. Third, **Relative, Friend, and Neighbor Care**: For small groups (under 4 children), unlicensed care is legal and common in close-knit communities like Shelley. Always ensure any unlicensed caregiver is trusted and follows basic safety protocols, even if not state-regulated.
Are there any daycare or preschool programs in Shelley that incorporate outdoor or agricultural activities, given the local community's character?
Yes, the rural and agricultural setting of Shelley can influence local childcare programs. While not all providers have a formal curriculum centered on agriculture, many incorporate outdoor play and nature-based learning, taking advantage of larger outdoor spaces common in home-based daycares. Some providers may have gardens for children to help with, or themes related to local farming and seasons. For a more structured program, you might inquire at local centers about their outdoor activity schedules. Additionally, the Shelley area is served by the Head Start program, which may have a classroom in the region and often includes components of health, nutrition, and outdoor activity. When touring facilities, ask specifically about daily outdoor time and any special activities that connect to the local environment.