Ready to Start or Grow Your Child Care Business in Idaho? New Support and Grants Are Here to Help
It’s well known that US child care has faced hardships in recent years.
Beth Oppenheimer Announces Departure as Executive Director of Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children
Beth Oppenheimer Announces Departure as Executive Director of Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children
BOISE, ID — February 21, 2024 — After 13 years of dedicated service, Beth Oppenheimer has announced her decision to step down as the Executive Director of the Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children (AEYC).
New Year, Same Mission- And Here is Why
With the start of the new year, many individuals are setting goals to ensure 2024 brings value, success and more. After celebrating 25 years of Idaho AEYC being a champion for children and families in 2023, we have reflected on the impactful work accomplished last year. As we eagerly step into our 26th year, the anticipation builds and we stand ready to continue our unwavering commitment to championing the well-being of children and families in Idaho.
With Idaho being one of the few states that does not provide state funding for pre-K programs, this increases costs for child care centers, families and, in turn, employers. Even with federal funding, families are still struggling to afford child care. This leaves families with little to no options for support, resulting in families making tough decisions and leaving employment. This does not just affect singular families, this impacts Idaho’s economy as a whole.
Celebrate Idaho AEYC being a Champion for Children for 25 Years
Celebrate Idaho AEYC being a Champion for Children for 25 Years
The Idaho Association for Education of Young Children (Idaho AEYC) has been passionately supporting children statewide for over 25 years.
Growing Together: Early Learning Collaboratives and the Gift of Thankfulness
Growing Together: Early Learning Collaboratives and the Gift of Thankfulness
More than pumpkin pies and cozy sweaters, this month is a time to instill values, foster thankfulness, and nurture early skills in our children.
Growing Bright Together: Celebrating Milestones in October
Growing Bright Together: Celebrating Milestones in October
As the leaves change and the crisp autumn air fills our days, it's clear that October has arrived in Idaho. This month brings the excitement of new seasons and an opportunity to reflect on the growth and development of the children we serve.
With shared focus and 'small dents,' Valley childcare advocates see progress
(Part 3 of a three-part series.)
Addressing the early childhood education challenges facing families and providers in the Wood River Valley requires money.
The United States is a major outlier among wealthier nations, spending on average $500 per year per toddler, while other rich nations spend an average of $14,000 per year, according to a 2021 study by The Hamilton Project at The Brookings Institution, a nonprofit think tank.
IdahoSTARS Project - Cloned
The Foundation of Quality Care in Idaho
The IdahoSTARS project is a voluntary program that provides training in child development, education, health, safety and assessment of child care facilities based on national quality standards. It was established to increase parents’ access to affordable and inclusive child care.
Idaho AEYC is a proud partner of the IdahoSTARS project with the University of Idaho Center on Disabilities and Human Development (CDHD). This project is funded through the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW).
The high costs of childcare: Early childhood education critical for economy, community long term
(Part 2 of a three-part series.)
The need for affordable and high-quality early childhood education options in the Wood River Valley isn’t critical just for working parents or rapidly-developing young brains; it is a requisite for the entire community’s economic and societal health, according to local and national experts.
From a developmental perspective, a mountain of research shows that having fundamental language and social emotional skills before entering kindergarten can set the trajectory for the rest of a child’s life.
Early-childhood education options lacking in valley
(Part 1 of a three-part series.)
When the Hailey house that the Sweet Clover School called home for eight years was listed for sale last winter, director Stormi Kilcher immediately began looking for a new space but found viable options few and far between.
To date, she still has not found any attainable spaces, and all the families whose children attended Sweet Clover were forced to make other arrangements for the care and education of their pre-school-aged kids.