Two major data points about Idaho surfaced recently, and together they tell a story we can no longer ignore. ReadyNation’s new analysis estimates that Idaho loses $688 million every year because parents cannot access reliable child care.
Idaho AEYC hosts Early Learning Day at the Idaho State Capitol
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.
Welcoming Nicole Criner as Idaho AEYC's new Executive Director!
We are thrilled to be welcoming Nicole Criner back to the Idaho AEYC Team!
Previously serving on staff as our External Relations and Development Director and then most recently on our Board of Directors, Nicole Criner comes to the role of Executive Director with knowledge and experience. She is truly a champion of Early Education already and we can't wait to support her vision for Idaho AEYC's future.
Making Waiting Easier for Families with Idaho AEYC’s New Kits
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.
Early Learning Collaborative Symposium: Building Stronger Early Learning Systems Across Idaho
Idaho AEYC was thrilled to welcome Early Learning Collaborative (ELC) leaders from across the state to Boise for the annual ELC Symposium from October 3-4. The event brought together passionate educators, community partners, and advocates to share ideas, celebrate achievements, and strengthen Idaho’s early learning system. Attendees participated in interactive sessions, learned about innovative programs, and exchanged strategies and resources to better support children and families.
Idaho AEYC participates in Community Baby Shower for the first time!
Idaho AEYC participated in the 19th annual Community Baby Shower on June 11, 2025, collecting donations at Albe
Beth Oppenheimer Announces Departure as Executive Director of Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children
Beth Oppenheimer Announces Departure as Executive Director of Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children
With shared focus and 'small dents,' Valley childcare advocates see progress
(Part 3 of a three-part series.)
Addressing the early childhood education challenges facing families and providers in the Wood River Valley requires money.
The United States is a major outlier among wealthier nations, spending on average $500 per year per toddler, while other rich nations spend an average of $14,000 per year, according to a 2021 study by The Hamilton Project at The Brookings Institution, a nonprofit think tank.
The high costs of childcare: Early childhood education critical for economy, community long term
(Part 2 of a three-part series.)
The need for affordable and high-quality early childhood education options in the Wood River Valley isn’t critical just for working parents or rapidly-developing young brains; it is a requisite for the entire community’s economic and societal health, according to local and national experts.
From a developmental perspective, a mountain of research shows that having fundamental language and social emotional skills before entering kindergarten can set the trajectory for the rest of a child’s life.
Early-childhood education options lacking in valley
(Part 1 of a three-part series.)
When the Hailey house that the Sweet Clover School called home for eight years was listed for sale last winter, director Stormi Kilcher immediately began looking for a new space but found viable options few and far between.
To date, she still has not found any attainable spaces, and all the families whose children attended Sweet Clover were forced to make other arrangements for the care and education of their pre-school-aged kids.