Idaho AEYC builds a cohesive and comprehensive Strategic Plan every five years. These plans are built through input from communities, Early Learning Collaboratives, and other partners to create a holistic approach on how we continue to expand early learning opportunities across Idaho.

Idaho AEYC's Strategic Priorities

Early Learning Collaborative Expansion & Community Infrastructure

• Sustain and strengthen Idaho’s network of Early Learning Collaboratives (ELCs) as the foundation for a locally driven early education system. 

• Provide technical assistance, funding, and capacity-building to support Idaho’s Early Learning Collaboratives, ensuring their long-term viability and impact. 

• Expand access to high-quality early learning programs by supporting locally designed initiatives that respond to community needs. 

• Ensure cross-sector collaboration between education, health, business, and community organizations to build sustainable early childhood systems. 

Workforce Development & Quality Improvement 

• Strengthen Idaho’s early childhood workforce through training, credentialing, and compensation advocacy to address recruitment and retention challenges. 

• Provide professional development programs, including training, business coaching, and peer-learning communities, to elevate provider quality. 

• Support early educators in gaining higher credentials and implementing best practices in child development, play-based learning, and literacy instruction. 

• Advocate for long-term workforce solutions that increase wages, improve job stability, and strengthen Idaho’s child care infrastructure. 

Family & Community Engagement 

• Equip families with tools and knowledge to support early childhood development through initiatives like READY! for Kindergarten and home-based learning support programs.