ALICE Child Care Scholarship Program

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 $2000 total over a period of 2-5 months, based on need and funds available. 

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.   

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
• 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.
• Scan and email supporting documents to Shelby@UWNorthIdaho.org 

Representatives from United Way of North Idaho Early Care and Education Task Force review applications and recommend awards. Personally-identifying information is kept confidential.

The selection committee meets once per month on the third Friday. 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.

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

The scholarship amount is determined based on applicant need and funds available. 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 one-time check directly to the provider to cover the total sum and duration of your awarded scholarship. If you un-enroll from the current provider, please contact us to have your scholarship moved to a new provider or to reapply.