The Best Daycare Centers in Star, ID
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Star. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Star
Star Early Learning Center
Independent
Star Early Learning Center is a highly-regarded local facility offering comprehensive early childhood education programs. They feature a play-based learning curriculum that incorporates STEM activities, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. The center maintains low teacher-to-child ratios with qualified early childhood educators, many holding degrees in education or child development. Their secure facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, indoor gross motor play area, and fenced outdoor playgrounds. They provide nutritious meals and snacks through their in-house food program and maintain excellent communication with parents through daily reports and a dedicated parent portal.
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The Learning Tree Preschool & Childcare
Independent
The Learning Tree provides a nurturing educational environment with a strong focus on school readiness and character development. Their curriculum blends Montessori-inspired activities with structured academic preparation, including phonics, mathematics, and science exploration. Certified teachers implement developmentally appropriate practices in well-equipped classrooms featuring learning centers for art, reading, blocks, and dramatic play. The center emphasizes safety with secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. They offer flexible scheduling options and maintain strong parent partnerships through regular conferences and classroom observations.
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Primrose School of Eagle
Primrose Schools
As part of the nationally recognized Primrose Schools network, this Eagle location serves families throughout the Star community with their Balanced Learning® approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance. Their research-based curriculum focuses on literacy, math, science, social studies, and character development through hands-on learning experiences. The state-of-the-art facility features secure classrooms, dedicated music and art rooms, multiple playgrounds designed for different age groups, and commercial-grade kitchen providing healthy meals. Highly qualified teachers receive ongoing professional development and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The school is known for its exceptional parent communication and comprehensive safety protocols.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Star, ID
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Star, Idaho, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Star, Idaho, all childcare facilities caring for four or more unrelated children must be licensed by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW). This licensing ensures providers meet state standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, staff background checks, and facility safety. You can verify a provider's license status and view any inspection reports or compliance history through the Idaho Child Care Program Licensing search tool on the IDHW website. It's highly recommended to choose a licensed provider, as they are regularly monitored. For smaller, in-home operations caring for fewer children, registration is required, which involves basic health and safety standards but less frequent oversight.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Star, ID?
The cost of childcare in Star is generally reflective of the broader Treasure Valley area. For full-time, center-based care for an infant (under 2 years), parents can expect to pay between $800 and $1,100 per month. For toddlers (ages 2-3), costs typically range from $750 to $950 per month. In-home family daycare is often slightly less expensive, ranging from $650 to $850 monthly. These costs can vary based on the facility's amenities, curriculum, staff qualifications, and included services like meals. Due to high demand in the growing Star community, many providers have annual rate increases, so it's important to ask about their long-term pricing structure.
How long are waitlists for quality daycare centers in Star, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Waitlists for reputable daycare centers and preschools in Star can be significant, often ranging from 6 to 12 months, especially for infant rooms which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. It's advisable to begin your search and get on multiple lists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy or several months before you need care. When contacting providers, ask specific questions: their current list length, if there's a fee to be on the list, how often they update families, and if they give priority to siblings of current enrollees. Also, consider expanding your search to nearby communities like Eagle or Meridian, and explore licensed in-home providers, which may have shorter wait times.
Are there any local resources or programs in Star that help parents find and evaluate childcare options?
Yes, the primary resource for parents in Star is the **IdahoSTARS** program. This is a state-funded resource and referral service that maintains a comprehensive, searchable database of licensed and registered childcare providers in Ada and Canyon Counties, including Star. Their specialists can help you match your family's needs with local options, provide checklists for evaluating quality, and offer information on the Child Care Program (subsidies). You can access them online at idahostars.org or call their referral line. Additionally, local parent groups on social media platforms like Facebook (e.g., "Star, Idaho Community" groups) are often valuable for getting personal recommendations and experiences.
What should I look for during an in-person tour of a daycare facility in Star?
When touring a daycare in Star, go beyond the basics. Observe the interactions: Are staff engaged with children at their eye level? Is the environment clean, safe, and well-organized? Ask about staff turnover—low turnover indicates a positive work environment, which benefits children. Inquire about their emergency procedures, especially for weather events common to the area. Check for secure outdoor play spaces. Ask about their sick policy and how they handle common childhood illnesses. Ensure they follow Idaho's immunization requirements. Finally, trust your instincts about the overall feel of the place and the responsiveness of the director to your questions. A quality provider will be transparent and welcome your scrutiny.