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.
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.
The Vacation-Loving Dad
Every Day is a Holiday When You Have Family
Josh and Aubrey Naylor escape the Idaho cold for the beaches of Florida and California when the family budget an timeline allow, and trips Switzerland, Iceland, and New Zealand are on the short list, says Josh, because the kids need to see the world.”
“I like seeing their reactions when they visit new places,” he said. “Vacations are great because there’s no distractions, just focusing on the kids and doing things together.”
The Time-Conscious Dad
He Values Today While the Clock Ticks Away
“Being a dad is the greatest gift a guy could ever have; cherish it and respect it because that’s the best thing that could ever happen to you,” says Joey Few of parenting one-year-old Aiden.
“Even when you’re tired, even when you don’t feel like doing the stuff, you just have to do it; you only have one opportunity,” he advises.
Father, son, and two cats hang out in the shop frequently on the Few property and Aiden drives his dad’s excavator from his dad’s lap now and then. “The number one thing is spending as much time as possible with your kids— being there and showing them stuff,” he said.
The Fisher of Moments
He Makes Time to Interact with His Children
Dylan and Allison Herman put their children at the top of their priorities, and Dylan’s interactions with the kids are meaningful, if sometimes challenging.
“I’ve taken Remi fishing ever since she could walk,” Dylan said of his six-year-old daughter. “I try to get her out of the house as much as possible. She caught her first fish in Alaska—a beautiful rainbow trout—and that just kind of stuck with her. She likes hunting with me too, so we do that anytime we can.” Sophie, 5, is content “just spending time with me, and she doesn’t care what we’re doing if she’s with me,” Dylan said warmly “She likes it when we read books together, especially our National Geographic book with dinosaur information; we look at the pictures a lot.”
The Gardening Grandpa
He Makes the Most of Living Close
Ken Gregor says his grandchildren’s unique personalities require unique interactions. That’s why he talks with ten-year-old Ashden by phone most mornings and why Jasce, 2, gets cuddled.
The Understanding Dad
He Gets Worn Down, But He Rallies For More
James (Jay) Aragon says children need love, understanding, patience, and boundaries. The father of adult daughters Holly and Katie—and the grandfather of
Holly’s two-year-old daughter, Arielle—says he and Sally Aragon (grandma) brace for action whenever Arielle comes over.
“She likes jumping on the bed and doing flips,” Jay explained. “As soon as I flip her over, she yells ‘do it again, do it again!’ She’s like a little gymnast; she likes to jump around and flip around on the bed and the trampoline. ‘Only jump in the center and not on the edges because I don’t want you flying off the side,’ I tell her.”