Idaho AEYC Welcomes New Executive Director, Dr. Robert Sanchez

Submitted by Nicole Criner on Thu, 06/06/2024 - 10:30

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 6, 2024

Contact: Nicole Criner, Marketing & Communications Director - 208-921-8216 (cell), ncriner@idahoaeyc.org

Idaho AEYC Welcomes New Executive Director, Dr. Robert Sanchez

BOISE, Idaho – The Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children (AEYC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Robert Sanchez as its new Executive Director, effective June 10, 2024. An Idaho native, Dr. Sanchez brings decades of experience in strategic leadership, educational innovation, and dynamic community engagement to this vital role.

In his new role, Dr. Sanchez will focus on several key areas:

• Community Engagement: Strengthening partnerships with local communities, businesses, and policymakers to advocate for quality early childhood education.

Beth Oppenheimer Announces Departure as Executive Director of Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children

Submitted by Nicole Criner on Wed, 02/21/2024 - 09:26

Beth Oppenheimer Announces Departure as Executive Director of Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children

BOISE, ID — February 21, 2024 — After 13 years of dedicated service, Beth Oppenheimer has announced her decision to step down as the Executive Director of the Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children (AEYC).

New Year, Same Mission- And Here is Why

Submitted by Nicole Criner on Thu, 01/11/2024 - 15:13

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.

With shared focus and 'small dents,' Valley childcare advocates see progress

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 08/17/2023 - 16:17

(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.

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The high costs of childcare: Early childhood education critical for economy, community long term

Submitted by Idaho AEYC on Wed, 08/09/2023 - 16:06

(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.

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