On weekday mornings, early learning classrooms in Canyon County fill with sensory bins, storybooks, and young children racing between activities alongside their parents.  

It looks like a room full of families having fun, but behind every activity is the goal of helping parents understand that playing is one of the most powerful ways children learn. 

That’s the mission behind Play 2 Learn, a free early learning program for children ages 0 to 5 that meets once a week for 90 minutes at sites across Canyon County. The program brings children and parents together through play-based activities designed to build early learning skills. 

Parenting has never come with a manual, but in Idaho, it can come with a community of support.   

Parent Cafés, brought to the state by the Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children (Idaho AEYC) in partnership with Be Strong Families, are built on casual, small-group conversations. They offer physically and emotionally safe spaces for caregivers to connect, reflect, and openly discuss the real challenges and rewards of raising a family.  

Idaho AEYC proudly hosted Early Learning Day at the Idaho State Capitol on February 3, 2026. The event brought together 24 early childhood organizations from across the state to meet directly with policymakers and show them the real work happening in Idaho’s early learning communities.  

The day focused on ensuring lawmakers heard firsthand how access to high-quality childcare directly impacts Idaho’s workforce and economy by elevating voices closest to families and young children.  

Idaho AEYC is excited to introduce our new “Waiting Is Hard” kits, designed for partners, businesses, and organizations where families often spend time waiting—like doctor’s offices, community centers, or other places families visit regularly. These kits are filled with simple, engaging activities that help reduce stress, spark connection, and turn waiting moments into opportunities for learning and fun. 

These kits are part of Idaho AEYC’s Strengthening Families initiative, which supports organizations in helping families build resilience and foster positive relationships. By offering these strength-based tools, the “Waiting Is Hard” kits help partners create a welcoming, supportive environment for children and their caregivers. These kits are intended for use in professional or community settings.

Idaho AEYC participated in the 19th annual Community Baby Shower on June 11, 2025, collecting donations at Albertsons stores to support local families. The event, hosted by