ALICE CHILDCARE SCHOLARSHIPS
What are childcare scholarships?
The ALICE childcare scholarships serve as a community resource that reduces the cost of childcare for caregivers who are working and/or pursuing career development education.
Funds help cover pre-K and school-age childcare expenses so caregivers can attend work or classes without interruption, while their children receive quality care during this important step toward a brighter future.
Who are scholarships for?
Eligible families include those with caregivers who are employed or engaged in education or workforce training programs and who pay for childcare for at least one child enrolled in a licensed early care, education, or out-of-school care program.
Disclaimer: The availability of ALICE childcare scholarships is dependent on the receipt of sufficient grant funding and community contributions. Scholarships will be awarded based on available funds, and eligibility does not guarantee funding. In the event that funds are limited or unavailable, applicants may be placed on a waiting list or offered alternative resources. The program reserves the right to adjust the scholarship award amounts or suspend the program without prior notice based on funding circumstances.
What does ALICE stand for?
The acronym ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. The ALICE population earns just above the Federal Poverty Level but less than what it costs to make ends meet, often struggling to afford basic necessities such as housing, childcare, food, transportation, health care, and technology.
United Way of North Idaho works to unite people, resources, and funding to build strong and fertile communities where everyone can thrive.
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APPLY TODAY
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, or Shoshone
- Pre-tax income at or below 100% Area Median Income (below).
- 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.
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
Please submit these documents with your application. We will be unable to review your application if you do not submit all required documents.
Deadline to apply is the 10th of each month. Scholarships are reviewed and award decisions made monthly on the third Friday. You will be contacted regarding your scholarship status following the scholarship review.
Families can apply for scholarships online or by scanning and emailing a hard copy:
Scan and email application and additional documents to Sarawelch@UWNorthIdaho.org.
Still have questions? Please reach out!
Sara Welch, Early Learning Coordinator
Sarawelch@UWNorthIdaho.org
The selection committee meets once per month on the third Friday. You will be notified via email or by 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.
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
For more information, visit https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/services-programs/children-families/…
You and your child care provider will receive a welcome packet via email 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.
BECOME A SUPPORTER
One of United Way of North Idaho’s core impact goals is to ensure that all children have nurturing early experiences and enter school ready to learn. To achieve this, we build strong public-private partnerships to expand access to affordable, high-quality childcare for working families across our region. This work is critical—not only for the well-being of children and families today but also for the long-term health and prosperity of our communities.
For nearly half of Idaho households living below the A.L.I.C.E. threshold, childcare is one of the most significant barriers to financial stability. The high cost, limited availability, and staffing shortages in the childcare sector create a constant struggle for families who are working hard but earning just above the poverty line. In Idaho, child care for two children can cost as much as housing, leaving little left for other essentials.
Childcare is the essential infrastructure that supports a strong workforce and a thriving economy. When parents can’t access reliable care, they’re forced to reduce work hours, leave jobs, or forgo career and education opportunities—creating a ripple effect that impacts employers, schools, and the broader community.
To address this need, United Way of North Idaho created the A.L.I.C.E. Child Care Scholarship Fund with the support of generous partners, including the City of Coeur d’Alene’s Community Development Block Grant program, Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children (IDAEYC), the Windermere Foundation, and annual United Way of North Idaho fundraising events. These funds help bridge the gap for working families—investing in children’s development while strengthening North Idaho’s future.
Representatives from United Way of North Idaho Early Learning Collaborative review applications and supplemental documentation to recommend awards. Personal, identifying information is kept confidential.
The selection committee and community partners make every effort to connect applicants with additional resources should their application be denied.
The first five years of a child’s life present a critical window for learning and growth, and this is exactly the time when quality early childhood education makes a profound difference in a child’s life. Yet this pivotal window of opportunity is missed when quality early childhood education is unavailable or unaffordable.
Support the ALICE childcare scholarship program today by contributing here.
Your support truly makes access to quality, early childhood education possible - thank you!