Child Care & Family Resources for Mini Cassia Parents
Assistance programs, licensing lookups, school enrollment, and practical prep checklists, gathered in one place for families in Burley, Heyburn, Rupert, Paul, and the surrounding communities. All links go to official sources, and we keep this page updated.
Paying for Child Care
Idaho Child Care Program (ICCP)
ICCP is Idaho's child care assistance program for eligible working families. It helps cover a portion of child care costs at licensed providers. Lorraines accepts ICCP, and many of our families use it.
- Apply for Child Care Assistance (ICCP)
Official application page from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, with eligibility details and how to submit.
- Idaho Child Care Program overview
How ICCP works, who qualifies, and what costs it covers.
- Idaho 211 CareLine
Dial 2-1-1 or search online for help with child care costs, food, housing, and other family needs.
Quick tips
- Ask us for a walkthrough: our staff help families with ICCP paperwork regularly.
- If you use ICCP, tell us during enrollment and we'll confirm your provider setup.
Checking Providers
Licensing & Inspection Lookups
Any licensed provider in Idaho should be able to tell you their license status. These official sources let you verify a provider, read state requirements, or file a concern.
- Idaho DHW Child Care licensing
The state's child care hub: licensing requirements, provider rules, and safety standards.
- IdahoSTARS
Idaho's quality improvement system for child care. Lorraines is IdahoSTARS-participating, and IdahoSTARS offers family resources for choosing and understanding care.
- Find Quality Child Care (Idaho DHW)
State guidance on what quality looks like and how to evaluate providers.
Quick tips
- When you tour any provider, ask for the license number and how many staff are CPR/first-aid trained.
Local Schools
School Districts & Kindergarten Enrollment
Mini Cassia families are served by two districts: Cassia County Joint School District (Burley and Declo) and Minidoka County Joint School District (Rupert, Heyburn, and Paul). Kindergarten questions go through your district; Idaho generally enrolls kindergartners who turn 5 on or before September 1, but your district confirms dates and required documents.
- Cassia County School District
Burley-area schools, enrollment information, and district news.
- Minidoka County School District
Serves Rupert, Heyburn, and Paul, including the Minidoka Preschool Center.
- Idaho State Department of Education
State education resources for families, including enrollment rules.
Quick tips
- For kindergarten, districts typically ask for a birth certificate and immunization records, so start gathering those early.
- Our Pre-K and school-age programs line up with both districts' calendars; our bus picks up from Burley-area elementary schools.
Community
Family & Community Resources
Everyday supports for Mini Cassia families, from health services to story time.
- Burley Public Library
Story times, kids' activities, and free digital resources. A great free outing with littles.
- South Central Public Health District (WIC)
WIC nutrition support for babies and young children, serving Cassia and Minidoka counties.
- Idaho 211 directory
One directory for community programs: food, clothing, housing, health, and family services.
- Idaho DHW Community Supports
State programs that support families, including children's services.
Getting Ready
First Day of Daycare: Prep Checklist
A calm first day starts before it. Every provider runs things a little differently, so use this checklist with your center's own list.
- Tour Lorraines before day one
See the classrooms, the gym, and the teachers, and bring your questions.
Quick tips
- Visit together first. A tour before the big day helps your kiddo recognize the room, and helps you know the routine.
- Talk it up at home: new friends, the playground, the indoor gym. Kids read your tone more than your words.
- Shift wake-up times a few days early if your child still naps late, especially for a 7:00 AM drop-off.
- Start shorter if the center offers it. A shorter first day or week makes goodbyes easier.
- Create a goodbye ritual: a hug, a high five, two kisses, same words every time. Keep it short and keep it consistent.
Packing
What to Bring to Daycare
At Lorraines, meals and snacks are included, so lunchboxes aren't needed. The essentials are personal items and paperwork. Always label everything with your child's name.
- See what a Lorraines day looks like
Program details by age, from infant nursery to school-age care.
Quick tips
- Infants: diapers, wipes, formula or pumped milk with feeding instructions, extra clothes, a comfort item if wanted.
- Toddlers and up: a full change of clothes (accidents and mud happen), diapers or pull-ups if still needed.
- All ages: any medication must come with a signed authorization form, required by Idaho licensing.
- Seasonal: sun hat in summer, warm layers and sturdy shoes in winter, water bottle.
- School-age: homework folder if you want homework time supported after school.
Choosing
Questions to Ask When Choosing Child Care
Whether you choose Lorraines or not, asking good questions protects your kiddo. Visit in person, and ask every provider on your list these.
- Compare with our own answers
Our Burley page covers licensing, ratios, security, and what makes the campus different.
Quick tips
- Are you licensed by the state, and may I see the license or license number?
- What are your caregiver-to-child ratios in each age room?
- How long has most of your staff been here, and what training do they complete?
- What does a typical day look like for my child's age, including outdoor and active play time?
- How do you handle discipline, biting, and tantrums?
- How do you keep families informed, daily reports, apps, or at pickup?
- What security measures are in place at doors and pickups?
- How do you handle allergies, medications, and sick-kid policies?
- What meals and snacks are included, and how do you handle special diets?
- What are the total costs, and do you accept ICCP?
How Lorraines Fits In
We're a licensed Idaho daycare and preschool in Burley, 5 minutes south of downtown, and we accept ICCP. If you're comparing options or getting ready to enroll, our team is happy to walk you through paperwork, answer questions, and show you around the campus.