Early Learning Day
EARLY LEARNING DAY 2026
Each year in the Rotunda of the Idaho State Capitol, state leaders gather to learn about the impact of high-quality early learning!
Idaho needs solutions fast to the impending child care reckoning and shortage
In case you haven’t heard, the state of child care in Idaho is in a precarious state. If you’re a working parent of a young child, there’s a good chance you’ve struggled to find affordable, reliable child care. If you’re a child care provider, it’s likely you struggle to hire and retain the staff to operate at a capacity that keeps your business solvent. We simply don’t have enough child care openings to accommodate every family who needs care. This affects workforce participation — placing financial strain on working parents — and limiting the pool of candidates. The worst part is that child care access in Idaho is going to get much worse, before it gets better.
Child care availability about to get even worse
Guest Opinion | Beth Oppenheimer
In case you haven’t heard, the state of child care in Idaho is in a precarious state. If you’re a working parent of a young child, there’s a good chance you’ve struggled to find affordable, reliable child care. If you’re a child care provider, it’s likely you struggle to hire and retain the staff to operate at a capacity that keeps your business solvent. We simply don’t have enough child care openings to accommodate every family who needs care. This affects workforce participation – placing financial strain on working parents – and limiting the pool of candidates.
The worst part is that child care access in Idaho is going to get much worse, before it gets better.
Idaho Reading Indicator shows improved kindergarten scores
Kindergarten and first-grade scores in 2022 showed significant improvement from 2019. However, Idaho's scores in second and third grade dropped from three years ago.
Children’s Advocate Named to Close Gap in Early Childhood Education
STORY AND PHOTOS BY KAREN BOSSICK
The Wood River Women’s Foundation has taken the next step with its early learning initiative with the appointment of Kathryn Ivers as the project director of the Wood River Early Learning Collaborative.
One of Ivers’ first tasks was to form an Advisory Council to steer the creation of an early education community for all young children in Blaine County, especially those from underserved families.
The Wood River Women’s Foundation selected early childhood education—specifically, what they called “Closing the Opportunity Gap in Education”-- to be the focus of its first ever Focus Grant. It is collaborating with the Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children (Idaho-AEYC) on the project.
City of Boise to spend $5.5 million in federal dollars on childcare worker payments, grants to small businesses, Treasure Valley YMCA
The City of Boise is partnering with three different nonprofits to distribute federal COVID-19 relief funds to community members in need.
'This is the dream': Nampa elementary school offers on-site child care to address critical needs of staff
NAMPA, Idaho — Working parents face an array of challenges in order to meet both the demands of their employer and their children -- but what if more workplaces offered on-site child care? Some industry experts say that could be a solution toward keeping working parents satisfied - and employed - long-term.
"I can speak for myself and for other moms that have said, you know, 'If we don't get a daycare in here, I might have to quit," Clark said. "Because of the cost and also just finding something out there. Right now to find a daycare you have to tell them right when you know you're pregnant. Before you tell anyone else, you have to tell your daycare so that you can get a spot."
Rising child care costs impacting Treasure Valley families
One mom said that parents are not only trying to find affordable childcare but also quality childcare, and the two are not always synonymous.
BOISE, Idaho — Childcare is one of the biggest expenses for parents – a necessity that costs many families more and more every year.
Marina Ebrahimpour is a mom of three. Not only are Ebrahimpour and her husband trying to find affordable childcare, they are also trying to find quality childcare.
Kristi Meston chosen as project manager for Early Learning Collaborative
Effective Sept. 6, Kristi Meston has taken on the role of Project Manager for the newly formed Collaborative for Early Learning. Kristi, who has made Teton Valley her home for 20 years, has devoted her career to working with children and families. After many years of working both in traditional wilderness programs and wilderness therapy, as well as with children with emotional and developmental disabilities in schools and youth homes, she obtained a Master of Social Work in order to formalize her ability to support her community. Upon completion of graduate school, Kristi spent eight years working in our local schools, establishing and strengthening existing relationships with local providers, stakeholders, and families- something she feels will serve her well in her new role.