Choose Safe Places for Child Care in Idaho

The Choose Safe Places (CSP) Program helps ensure child care locations are safe from harmful chemicals and environmental hazards. 

 

Why it matters: 
 

Children are more sensitive to environmental toxins because they are still growing. Even if a building meets licensing rules, it could still be unsafe, especially if it used to be: 

 

  • A dry cleaner
  • An industrial site
  • A building with past chemical use or spills
     

The CSP program helps child care providers identify and reduce these risks before choosing a location or while operating a facility. 

Why Safe Locations Matter for Child Care 

 

Some child care programs are located: 

  • In buildings that were never cleaned up after industrial use
  • Next to businesses that use or store hazardous chemicals
  • In buildings with lead-based paint or unknown radon exposure 
     

These exposures may not be visible, but they can harm children's health, especially: 

  • Infants and toddlers
  • Children with asthma or other health issues
     

That’s why choosing a safe site is a critical step in protecting the children and staff in your care. 

 

What Is the CSP Certificate of Education? 

 

The Choose Safe Places Certificate of Education helps child care providers:

 

To earn the certificate, providers must:

  • Complete 4 hours of professional development training through IdahoSTARS
  • Test for radon or lead in drinking water (or both)
     

If unsafe levels are determined through testing? 

How to remove the following hazards: 

 

Why Is This Certificate Important? 

 

This certificate shows that a provider: 

  • Understands environmental risks
  • Has taken real steps to protect children and staff
  • Is going beyond what’s required by law
     

Note: Idaho currently does not require facilities to fix identified hazards. 
If a facility chooses to take action, it shows a strong commitment to health and safety even when it costs money or takes extra effort. 

 

How Can I Get Involved? 

 

It’s easy to take the first step! 

Contact us: 

IdahoSTARS Help Line: Dial 2-1-1 

Phone: 1-800-445-8647 

group of three young diverse children reading books with orange covers.
Choose Safe Places for Early Care and Education
Who do I contact in my region?
Jill Hobbs
Regions 1 & 2 (CDA, Moscow, Lewiston, Sandpoint, Kellogg, Grangeville, and surrounding rural areas)
Region 7 (Idaho Falls, Ammon, Rexburg, Rigby, Salmon, Driggs and surrounding rural areas)
Stephanie Jones
Regions 3 & 4 (Caldwell, Boise, Meridian, Weiser, Fruitland, Marsing, Mountain Home, McCall and other surrounding rural areas)
Kathy Gates
Regions 5 & 6 (Twin, Burley, Pocatello, Blackfoot and surrounding rural areas)
Phone
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