Cost of Child Care in Idaho: A Breakdown for 2023

If you’re a parent in Idaho, you’re likely aware of the high cost of Child Care. The cost in Idaho is among the highest in the country, and it can be a significant financial burden for families. In 2023, the average cost of full-time Child Care for an infant in a daycare center in Idaho is $7,474—that’s $623 per month and care for a 4-year-old costs $6,454, or $538 each month.

The high cost of childcare in Idaho is a significant issue for many families, and it can have a big impact on the state’s economy.

The lack of affordable Child Care options in Idaho is also impacting the state’s economy. From 2020 to 2021, 10% of Idaho children under age 5 lived in families in which someone quit, changed, or refused a job because of problems with Child Care, according to Idaho Capital Sun. This has resulted in a loss of productivity and income for families, as well as a potential loss of revenue for businesses.

One factor contributing to the rising cost of Child Care in Idaho is the low wages paid to Child Care providers. The average salary for a Child Care worker in Idaho is about $10 per hour, according to ktvb.com. This makes it difficult for providers to attract and retain qualified staff, which in turn impacts the quality of care provided to children.

Overall, the rising cost of Child Care in Idaho is a significant concern for families and the state’s economy. While there are efforts underway to address this issue, such as increasing access to subsidies and improving wages for providers, there is still much work to be done to ensure that all families have access to affordable, high-quality Child Care.

Factors Influencing the Cost

When it comes to the cost of Child Care in Idaho, there are several factors that can influence how much you can expect to pay. Here are some of the main factors that can impact the cost of Child Care in Idaho:

Type of Child Care
The type of Child Care you choose can have a significant impact on the cost. For example, hiring a nanny to care for your child in your home will generally be more expensive than sending your child to a daycare center. On the other hand, a family care center may be a more affordable option than a daycare center or nanny.

Age of the Child
Infants and toddlers require more attention and care than older children, which means that Child Care providers need to hire more staff and provide more resources to meet their needs. As a result, Child Care for infants and toddlers tends to be more expensive than Child Care for older children.

Location
The cost of Child Care in urban areas, such as Boise or Coeur d’Alene, may be more expensive than in rural areas. Additionally, the cost of living in your area can also impact the cost of Child Care.

Additional Services
Some Child Care providers may offer additional services, such as transportation or educational programs, which can increase the overall cost of Child Care. It’s important to consider whether these additional services are necessary for your child and if they are worth the extra cost.

Number of Children
If you have more than one child, you may be able to negotiate a lower rate with your Child Care provider. However, keep in mind that Child Care providers may charge more for caring for multiple children, especially if they are different ages and require different levels of care.

Overall, there are several factors that can impact the cost of Child Care in Idaho. By understanding these factors, you can make an informed decision about the type of care that is best for your family and budget.

Age Group Cost Breakdown

When it comes to Child Care in Idaho, the cost varies depending on the age of the child. Here is a breakdown of the average cost of Child Care for different age groups in Idaho in 2023.

Infant Care
Infant care is the most expensive type of Child Care in Idaho. On average, you can expect to pay around $1,200 to $1,400 per month for full-time infant care. This is because infants require more one-on-one attention and care, and there are strict regulations on the number of infants that can be cared for by one provider.

Toddler Care
Toddler care is slightly less expensive than infant care, but still comes with a hefty price tag. The average cost for full-time toddler care in Idaho is around $1,000 to $1,200 per month. This is because toddlers are still in need of a lot of care and attention, but they are also starting to become more independent.

Preschool Age Care
The cost of Child Care for preschool-aged children is slightly less expensive than infant and toddler care. On average, you can expect to pay around $800 to $1,000 per month for full-time preschool age care. This is because preschool-aged children are more independent and require less one-on-one attention.

It’s important to keep in mind that these are just average costs and can vary depending on the location, type of Child Care provider, and other factors. Additionally, there are programs available in Idaho to help families with the cost of care, such as the Idaho Child Care Program (ICCP), which provides Child Care assistance to working families based on their income and family size.

Cost Breakdown by Region

When it comes to the cost of Child Care in Idaho, the price can vary depending on the region. Here’s a breakdown of the average monthly cost in three major regions of Idaho in 2023:

Boise Child Care
Boise is the largest city in Idaho and has a higher cost of living compared to other regions in the state. The average monthly cost of Child Care in Boise is around $1,200. This cost is higher than the state average, but it’s important to keep in mind that Child Care costs can vary depending on the type of care and the age of the child.

Coeur d’Alene Child Care
Coeur d’Alene is a smaller city located in the northern part of Idaho. The cost of living in Coeur d’Alene is lower than in Boise, and as a result, the cost of Child Care is also lower. The average monthly cost of Child Care in Coeur d’Alene is around $900. This cost is lower than the state average, making it a more affordable option for families.

Idaho Falls Child Care
Idaho Falls is a city located in the southeastern part of Idaho. The cost of living in Idaho Falls is lower than in Boise, but higher than in Coeur d’Alene. The average monthly cost of Child Care in Idaho Falls is around $1,000. This cost is slightly higher than the state average, but it’s still a more affordable option compared to Boise.

It’s important to keep in mind that these are just average costs, and the actual cost of Child Care can vary depending on the type of care and the age of the child. Additionally, there may be other factors that can affect the cost of Child Care in each region, such as the availability of Child Care providers and the demand for Child Care services.

The Future of Child Care Costs in Idaho

Looking ahead, it is expected that Child Care costs will continue to rise in Idaho. This is due to a variety of factors, including inflation, the cost of living, and the ongoing shortage of Child Care providers. As a result, families in Idaho will likely continue to struggle with the high cost of Child Care.

One possible solution to this problem is increased government funding for Child Care programs. In recent years, there has been a push for greater investment in Child Care, with some advocates calling for universal Child Care. If this were to happen, it would likely lead to lower costs for families and greater access to Child Care services.

Another potential solution is increased support for Child Care providers. Many providers struggle to make ends meet due to low wages and high overhead costs. By providing additional resources and support, such as training programs and tax incentives, it may be possible to encourage more people to enter the field and increase the supply of Child Care services.

Ultimately, the future of Child Care costs in Idaho will depend on a variety of factors, including government policy, economic conditions, and the availability of Child Care providers. While it is difficult to predict exactly what will happen, it is clear that Child Care will continue to be an important issue for families in Idaho in the years to come.