United Way of North Idaho COVID Crisis Child Care Scholarship
One of United Way's impact goals is to ensure that all children have nurturing early experiences and enter school ready to learn. To do this, we build public-private partnerships to provide more affordable, high-quality child care for working families in our region. This matters to children and working families today, and for the future of our communities.
This scholarship fund was created through the City of Coeur d'Alene Community Development Block Grant, the Innovia Foundation, Idaho Community Foundation, Pita Pit, and United Way's Ride for ALICE fundraiser.
*February 2021 Update*: We are currently out of scholarship funds as of February 22, 2021. We will continue to accept applications, but will not be reviewing until we have secured more funding. If you have submitted an application and required documentation, we will email you when funds are available to let you know the review timeline. Please contact Keri Cederquist: keri@uwnorthidaho.org with questions.
Apply online!
The Idaho Child Care Program (ICCP) announced increased income limits for families, allowing more families to be eligible for assistance paying for child care. Learn more here!
Scholarship FAQ
Q. What is it?
A. The UWNI Child Care Scholarship is a pool of funds created through grants and fundraising to support families who are attending school or employed and need assistance paying for care for pre-K and school-age children. You may qualify even if you also receive Idaho Child Care Assistance (ICCP). Scholarships are awarded as a monthly supplement paid directly to a licensed care provider. Families may receive up to $1500 total over a period of 2-5 months, based on need and funds available.
Q. Who is eligible?
A. Scholarships are available to families with children who meet the following criteria:
- Living in any of Idaho's five northern counties: Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai, and Shoshone counties
- Pre-tax income at or below 80% Area Median Income:
- Employed and/or enrolled in school or a job training program (includes local community colleges, technical programs, high school completion, etc.)
- Paying for at least one child in a licensed early care and education program or out-of-school care program.
Q. How do I apply?
A. Families apply for scholarships online or by scanning and emailing a hard copy (download application here). Scholarships are reviewed and award decisions made every other week on Fridays. The following documents are required as part of your application:
- Copy of paystubs and/or other income documentation for past 30 days
- Current copy of course schedule--students ONLY
- State-issued ID plus proof of residency. Can be any of the following:
- Current utility bills in your name
- Lease or letter from landlord
- Employer verification of address
- Current, postmarked piece of mail with your address
- Proof of Idaho Child Care Assistance Program (ICCP) status:
- Denial letter or benefits letter: contact Idaho Department of Health and Welfare for a copy
- If you have not applied to ICCP, please fill out the application by calling 1-877-456-1233 (toll free) OR visit your local Idaho Department of Health and Welfare field office.
- Be prepared to provide this information with the application:
- ID Card
- Household Income
- Housing Costs
- Current Monthly Expenses
- If applicable, Immigration Status
- If you have chosen NOT to complete an ICCP application, please provide an explanation as to your decision in the application.
- Be prepared to provide this information with the application:
- Scan and email supporting documents to Keri@UWNorthIdaho.org
Q. Who makes up the selection committee?
A. Representatives from United Way of North Idaho Early Care and Education Task Force review applications and recommend awards. Personally-identifying information is kept confidential.
Q. How will I know if I’ve been selected or not?
A. The selection committee meets twice per month. You will be notified via email and a hard copy mailed to the address listed on your application if requested. The selection committee and community partners will make every effort to connect you with additional resources should your application be denied.
Q. What happens if I am selected for a scholarship?
A. You will receive a welcome packet which includes:
- The amount awarded per month, the disbursement process, and timeline
- Any documents to be signed and returned to United Way
Q. How does the payment process work?
A. The monthly supplement amount is determined based on applicant need and funds available, not to exceed $1500 per family. The applicant’s child care provider will complete a W-9 and return it to the Early Care and Education Task Force. We will verify rates and attendance with the provider each month and send a check directly to the provider within the first two weeks of the month.
Click here for the online application
Click here to download a hard copy of the application
Scan and email application and documentation to Keri@UWNorthIdaho.org
Still have questions? Please reach out!
Keri Cederquist, United Way of North Idaho
(208) 667-8112, Keri@UWNorthIdaho.org
Kelly Garrett, Borah Elementary School, Coeur d'Alene Schools
(208) 664-5844, kelly.garrett@cdaschools.org