On Wednesday, February 23, early education organizations from across the state gathered in the Idaho Statehouse for Early Learning Day, an event organized by the Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children (AEYC), to share the work being done to enhance early childhood education within their communities.

Early Learning Day at the Capitol demonstrates the impact high-quality early learning has on young children across the state. Representatives from Idaho AEYC, Early Learning Collaboratives, local libraries, and preschool programming presented to legislators and answered questions about how they are working to improve early childhood education for young children.

Beth Oppenheimer, executive director of Idaho AEYC, said allowing Idaho’s policymakers to see firsthand the importance of early childhood education resources and how they can support local communities is key to lasting impacts.

“Enhancing Idaho’s overall early childhood education starts by addressing the unique needs of young children and families at the local level,” said Beth Oppenheimer, executive director for Idaho AEYC, “The progress these early childhood education organizations are presenting today demonstrates the overwhelming benefits of investing in our children early in their development.”

Early Learning Collaboratives from across the state, including American Falls, Coeur d’Alene, Garden City, Idaho City, Kendrick-Julietta, Kuna, and Marsing, traveled to Boise to showcase their strides toward improving early childhood education standards within their regions. Likewise, the Lee Pesky Learning Center, Idaho Library Commission, Idaho Library Association, New Horizon’s Academy, READY! for Kindergarten, and Idaho Public Television highlighted their work enhancing Idaho’s overall early childhood education system statewide.