What is a childcare subsidy?

A state-administered program (funded by federal CCDF) that pays a portion of childcare costs for working, training, or school-attending low-income parents. Apply through your state's lead agency. Eligibility typically up to 85% of state median income. Benefits go directly to the provider.

What's the difference between Head Start and pre-K?

Head Start is a federal program for children 3–5 from low-income families (below the Federal Poverty Level) with comprehensive services (health, nutrition, parent involvement). State pre-K is state-funded preschool, usually through public schools, with broader eligibility.

Can fathers apply for childcare assistance alone?

Yes. Childcare assistance is gender-neutral. Single fathers with custody qualify on the same terms as any other parent. If you share custody, you can still apply — you'll need the subsidy for the time the child is with you.

Where do I find quality care I can trust?

Every state has a Child Care Resource & Referral agency (CCR&R) that maintains a free database of licensed providers, quality ratings, and availability. Call your local CCR&R (find at childcareaware.org) for personalized referrals.

Childcare Assistance in Idaho

6 verified resources.

About Childcare Assistance for Fathers

Childcare assistance for US fathers includes the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) subsidy, Head Start and Early Head Start, state pre-K programs, and sliding-scale nonprofit childcare. CCDF subsidies are administered by each state's lead agency (usually the Department of Human Services or a dedicated office) and help families pay for childcare while parents work, attend school, or participate in training. Eligibility is typically up to 85% of state median income. Head Start serves children 3–5 from families below the Federal Poverty Level; Early Head Start covers birth to 3. State pre-K is free or low-cost in most states and offered through public schools and partner providers. Many community action agencies run sliding-scale childcare for working parents. For single dads, CCDF subsidies and Head Start are the two most consistent free options. This directory includes each state's CCDF office, local Head Start programs, and resource and referral agencies.

Childcare Assistance in Idaho

Idaho magistrate divisions handle custody matters within the district courts. The Child Support Services division within the Department of Health and Welfare runs enforcement. Boise, Meridian, Nampa, and Idaho Falls are the largest cities. Idaho Legal Aid Services provides free family law help for eligible fathers statewide.

6 Resources

1. IdahoSTARS – Child Care Resource & Referral — Free

Statewide child care resource and referral program helping Idaho families find quality licensed child care. Fathers can call or search online to find providers by area, age group, and schedule, and get information on subsidies through the Idaho Child Care Program. Staff can explain quality ratings, questions to ask providers, and how to apply for financial assistance for qualifying households. Services are free to families.

800-926-2588 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Community Action Partnership – Head Start Boise — Free

Free federally funded Head Start preschool for income-eligible families in the Boise area, run through the Community Action Partnership. Programs include classroom preschool, home-based options, family support services, and parent engagement activities that welcome fathers. Call the Boise office to ask about enrollment, locations, and eligibility; bring income documentation, IDs, and child immunization records to the application appointment.

208-345-2820 · Boise, ID 83702 · Mon-Fri varies

3. Idaho Children's Trust Fund – Quality Care — Free

Statewide child abuse prevention nonprofit providing resources on quality childcare, family support, and parenting education. Fathers can use the site or call the Boise office to learn about local programs, parenting classes, and child development tools. The Trust Fund does not provide direct care but can connect families to vetted partners across Idaho; most referred programs are free or low-cost for qualifying households.

208-386-9317 · Boise, ID 83702 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

4. North Idaho Head Start — Free

Free federally funded Head Start preschool for income-eligible families in the Coeur d'Alene and north Idaho area. Programs combine early learning, health and developmental screenings, family support, and parent engagement that welcomes fathers. Call the Coeur d'Alene office or use the federal Head Start locator to start enrollment; bring income documentation, IDs, and child immunization records to your application appointment.

208-664-3244 · Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814 · Mon-Fri varies · Visit Website

5. Boys & Girls Clubs – Ada County — Free

After-school and summer programs for children ages 6-18 in the Boise and Garden City area, with academic support, sports, arts, and leadership activities. Fathers can enroll kids through the club's Garden City location and often pay a modest membership fee, with scholarships available for qualifying families. Call the office or visit the site for current hours, program schedules, and enrollment forms.

208-375-0462 · 610 E 42nd St, Garden City, ID 83714 · Mon-Fri after school

6. Idaho AEYC – Early Childhood Education — Free

State affiliate of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, offering resources, advocacy, and professional development for Idaho's early childhood programs. Fathers seeking high-quality child care can use the organization's guides to evaluate providers and find accredited programs. Call the Boise office or visit the site for family resources and trainings; most parent resources are free to access.

208-344-4557 · Boise, ID 83702 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

Childcare Assistance — Common Questions

What is a childcare subsidy?: A state-administered program (funded by federal CCDF) that pays a portion of childcare costs for working, training, or school-attending low-income parents. Apply through your state's lead agency. Eligibility typically up to 85% of state median income. Benefits go directly to the provider.
What's the difference between Head Start and pre-K?: Head Start is a federal program for children 3–5 from low-income families (below the Federal Poverty Level) with comprehensive services (health, nutrition, parent involvement). State pre-K is state-funded preschool, usually through public schools, with broader eligibility.
Can fathers apply for childcare assistance alone?: Yes. Childcare assistance is gender-neutral. Single fathers with custody qualify on the same terms as any other parent. If you share custody, you can still apply — you'll need the subsidy for the time the child is with you.
Where do I find quality care I can trust?: Every state has a Child Care Resource & Referral agency (CCR&R) that maintains a free database of licensed providers, quality ratings, and availability. Call your local CCR&R (find at childcareaware.org) for personalized referrals.