August 13, 2026 By CDHD $14.6M for IdahoSTARS continues quality child care in Idaho We are proud to announce that last month our IdahoSTARS project was awarded a $14.6 million contract to continue and expand their long-standing work in improving 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 news was response to the Center ‘s proposal submission to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare’s Interest and Ability solicitation for the Idaho Child Care Access, Resource and Standards Initiative in April 2026. The funding confirms IdahoSTARS can carry on its core responsibilities, including administering, managing and operating: the Idaho Child Care Resources and Referral network for providers and families provider state licensing and participation in the Idaho Child Care Program the state's Quality Recognition and Improvement System a comprehensive professional development system for Idaho's child care workforce. Over the last 20+ years, IdahoSTARS has steadily worked on ensuring quality child care across Idaho. The project not only helps families find child care that meets their needs, but also helps to build a skilled child care workforce that provides the best care for Idaho’s children. IdahoSTARS facilitates the continued training and resources for child care providers to offer exceptional care at the forefront of practice. This includes a newly revamped Professional Development System that supports growth and advancement through placement, scholarships, financial incentives and recognition. "Our recent system restructures have received state and national recognition for both innovation and human-centered designs that honor the realities and needs of Idaho child care providers and families," said Melissa. Along with maintaining this high standard of care and innovation in the field, the funding ensures IdahoSTARS can expand services to further improve child care in Idaho. This includes targeted efforts to increase capacity and availability across the state. The project will complete a statewide child care needs assessment conducted in partnership with Dr Sarah Deming. Dr Deming is an Assistant Professor of Human Development and Families Studies in the University of Idaho's Margaret Ritchie School of Family and Consumer Sciences in the University of Idaho College of Agriculture 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," concluded Melissa. We are thrilled to continue the good work of the IdahoSTARS project and excited to see how it will grow to continue to meet the needs of Idahoans across our state. For more information on the IdahoSTARS project, or any of services for families and providers, visit IdahoSTARS.org.