Department seeks $15M one‑time childcare funding and staff for early learning programs

Legislative analysts and Department of Health and Welfare leaders described Thursday how services for people with developmental disabilities and early‑childhood programs are now organized under a newly retitled Early Learning and Development division and outlined the department's funding requests.

Analyst Alex Williamson said the reorganization approved during the maintenance budget moves community developmental disability services and extended employment services into Medicaid while placing early learning and the Idaho Child Care Program (ICCP) under Early Learning and Development. The packet for the committee shows prior supplements and ongoing funding for infant‑toddler service coordination and crisis bed support at the Southwest Idaho Treatment Center (SWITC).

Key funding requests and changes - Child Care: The governor recommended $15 million one‑time for the Idaho Child Care Program (ICCP) and the agency requested an additional $4.2 million ongoing for ICCP. Williamson noted the funding is available under the Child Care and…