IdahoSTARS receives $14.6 million to strengthen Idaho child care

MOSCOW, Idaho — University of Idaho’s Idaho Center on Disabilities and Human Development (CDHD) has received a $14.6 million contract for IdahoSTARS to continue and expand its long-standing work to improve the quality of child care in Idaho.

“This award reflects more than two decades of partnership with Idaho’s child care community,” said Melissa Crist, director of early childhood programs at the CDHD. “It also recognizes the strong, statewide infrastructure built by the IdahoSTARS project that child care providers, families and our state partners rely on today.”

The contract follows CDHD’s April proposal responding to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare’s Interest and Ability Solicitation for the Idaho Child Care Access, Resource and Standards Initiative.

The funding confirms IdahoSTARS will continue its core responsibilities, including:

• Administering the Idaho Child Care Resource and Referral Network for providers and families.
• Supporting provider licensing and participation in the Idaho Child Care Program.
• Operating Idaho’s Quality Recognition and Improvement System.
• Providing a comprehensive professional development system for Idaho's child care workforce.

For more than 20 years, IdahoSTARS has worked to improve the quality of child care across Idaho. The project helps families find child care that meets their needs and supports a skilled child care workforce. IdahoSTARS provides the training and resources child care providers need to offer high-quality care. Its services include a revamped Professional Development System that supports career development through placement, scholarships, financial incentives and recognition.

“Recent changes to our systems have received state and national recognition for innovation and human-centered design that reflect the realities and needs of Idaho child care providers and families,” Crist said.

The funding will also allow IdahoSTARS to expand services and increase capacity and availability across the state.

The project will conduct a statewide child care needs assessment in partnership with Sarah Deming, assistant professor of human development and family studies in the Margaret Ritchie School of Family and Consumer Sciences within the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.

“We are honored to continue this work and excited to partner with providers, families and communities across Idaho to advance solutions that meet the state’s evolving child care needs,” Crist said.

Learn more about IdahoSTARS and its services for families and providers at IdahoSTARS.org.

Media contact

Melissa Crist
Director of Early Childhood Programs, Idaho CDHD
208-885-6169
mcrist@uidaho.edu