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Idaho ranks fifth in the nation among states in the Family and Community category of a new report on child well-being. (Douglas Hughmanick/Adobe Stock)

ID Ranks High in Child Well-Being, But Child Care Costs Concerning

Idaho ranks fairly high compared to other states in a new report on children's well-being, but the high cost of child care lurks as a burden for …

The Build Back Better Act would fully fund universal pre-kindergarten in states for three years. (Inna/Adobe Stock)

Build Back Better Act Could Provide Universal Pre-K to ID

BOISE, Idaho -- The Build Back Better Act could provide universal pre-K to states, including those such as Idaho that currently don't fund school …

About 200 child-care centers have closed in Idaho since September. (Oksana Kuzmina/Adobe Stock)

ID Child-Care Centers Raise Alarms, Await Federal-Funding OK

BOISE, Idaho -- Idaho child-care providers closed their doors and came to the doors of the Capitol this week to call on lawmakers to approve federal …

The pandemic has put the availability of child care and early learning in the spotlight. (Ekaterina Pokrovsky/Adobe Stock)

Fed'l. Grant Boosts Early-Childhood Learning in ID

BOISE, Idaho - Idaho's early childhood education and school-readiness efforts are getting a big boost from a federal grant. The state has been …

Idaho ranks last among states in per-pupil spending on education, according to a National Education Association report. (Henryk Sadura/Adobe Stock)

Judge Keeps ID Tax Initiative Alive; State Attempts to Block Ruling

BOISE, Idaho -- Supporters of an initiative to tax corporations and wealthy Idahoans in order to fund education will begin to collect signatures …

Idaho ranks 39th among states for educating its children in a new Annie E. Casey Foundation report. (Andrew Newill/Flickr)

Report: Investment in Education Needed for ID Population Boom

BOISE, Idaho – Idaho needs to focus more resources on education, according to a new report on child well-being. The Annie E. Casey …

Idaho is one of four states that doesn't provide funding for pre-school education. (1001color/Adobe Stock)

Idaho Group Provides Grants to Establish Local Preschools

BOISE, Idaho – The Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children is providing grants and support for the development of community …

The Week of the Young Child has been celebrated since 1971. (Idaho AEYC)

Idahoans Can Celebrate Week of the Young Child with Home Activities

BOISE, Idaho — Cities across Idaho are recognizing the Week of the Young Child, which highlights the importance of early learning. Along with …

The University of Idaho developed BLOCK Fest in 2005 to harness the power of play in helping children learn. (Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children)

Grab a Block for Early Learning Day in Boise

BOISE, Idaho - For young children, the building blocks of education could be just that - blocks. Groups are in Boise today meeting with lawmakers …

Idaho is one of only six states that doesn't invest state funds in preschool programs. (kayp/Twenty20)

Poll: Early Childhood Education "Safe Issue" for Both Parties

BOISE, Idaho – Even for a sharply divided Congress, there's one issue that could prove to be a catalyst for collaboration across the aisle ̵…

At-home activities for young children can help prepare them for kindergarten. (READY! for Kindergarten)

Early-Childhood Program Gives Idaho Parents Tools to Educate

BOISE, Idaho — A free workshop in Idaho is helping parents prepare their children for school. And it's filling a much-needed gap in the Gem …

Early-learning collaboratives are becoming affordable alternatives for giving kids the option of attending preschool in Idaho. (heatherdeffense/Twenty20)

Kindergarten Teachers: "Idaho Needs More Preschool Options"

KENDRICK, Idaho – A coalition is launching an effort to bring preschool to more Idaho kids, and kindergarten teachers say it could level the …

Young parents face many transitions in life that can leave them financially vulnerable. (rebekah/Twenty20)

Report: Young Idaho Parents Are in Transition, Need Support

BOISE, Idaho — Parenting can be a challenge for even the most financially secure Idahoans, but the hardships can be even greater for young …

Cindi Godfrey and Kristi Keeler of Kids Klub in Grangeville, Idaho, received their early education degrees while working, with support from an academic scholarship. (Kids Klub, Inc.)

ID Scholarship Battles Low Wages, High Turnover in Child-Care Profession

GRANGEVILLE, Idaho - With the fall semester in session, a scholarship is helping Idaho child-care workers get back to school, too. About 30 early-…

State officials estimate Idaho's prison population will reach 10,000 by 2022. (jodylehigh/Pixabay)

With Possible Prison Expansion Coming, How Can Idaho Slow Incarceration?

BOISE, Idaho – A $500-million-dollar prison expansion proposal is likely heading to the Idaho Legislature next year. What else could the …

Idaho's low participation rate in early education fails to set kids up for success later in their academic lives, according to a new report. (Idaho National Laboratory/Flickr)

Idaho Makes Gains in Child Well-Being; Progress Still Needed

BOISE, Idaho – Idaho is making gains in critical areas of children's well-being and ranks 21st in the nation, according to an annual report …

An event at the Idaho Botanical Gardens will cap the Week of the Young Child on Saturday, April 21. (Idaho AEYC)

Early Learning Top of Mind for "Week of the Young Child"

BOISE, Idaho – This week, Idahoans and people across the country are celebrating the Week of the Young Child. Hosted by the National …

An Idaho child care consultant says you might be sending a future leader to day care, so it's important to pick the facility carefully. (Eduardo Merille/Flickr)

What to Watch for When Choosing Child Care

POCATELLO, Idaho – How do parents know if a child care facility is right for them? The answer differs among families, but there are some …

Preschool is a time for children to develop social and emotional skills, an early childhood advocate says. (Tabitha Blue/Flickr)

Poll: Most Idahoans Want State to Support Early Education

BOISE, Idaho -- Preschool is a priority for an overwhelming majority of Idahoans, according to new poll. On Wednesday, the Idaho Association for the …

Preschool programs exist around Idaho, but it still is one of only six states that doesn't fund preschool. (Paul Schultz/Flickr)

Boise Not Only Idaho City With Successful Preschool Program

IDAHO CITY, Idaho – Boise State University's preschool pilot program in Boise has underscored the importance of early education, but the city …

In Idaho, the average cost of child care for a four-year-old is between $5,800 and $8,000 a year. (Kyle Peyton/Flickr)

Child-Care Grant on Chopping Block in Upcoming Budget Talks

BOISE, Idaho - It remains to be seen whether congressional leaders will follow President Trump's lead in budget negotiations, but one cut proposed …

Without regular reading when school is out, children can experience a one- to three-month reading skills loss in the summer months. (PublicDomainPicture/Pixabay)

Experts Encourage Children to Read Anything This Summer

BOISE, Idaho – Reading has to be a part of summer activities for kids. That's according to experts who say there's evidence of significant …

Idaho ranks 20th overall for child well-being in a new national report, but last in the country for its high number of young children not enrolled in preschool. (Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)

Report: Idaho Could Improve Children's Health, Education

BOISE, Idaho – Results from an annual report released today on child well-being show a mixed bag for Idaho kids. The Annie E. Casey …

A consultant for child-care providers in Idaho offers advice to parents on how to pick the right one. (Matt Cardy/GettyImages)

Questions Parents Aren't Asking When Seeking Child-Care Providers

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho – Choosing the right childcare provider can be a daunting task for parents. Questions left unasked while picking the right …

Advocates for young children say investment from Idaho is crucial to make sure every child has access to early learning. (Brandi Nyhof/Idaho AEYC)

For Week of the Young Child, ID Advocates Want More Early Learning

BOISE, Idaho – Next week, Idahoans and people across the nation will celebrate the Week of the Young Child, dedicated to children and the …

Early-education advocates of all stripes met with legislators in informational meetings at the Capitol on Wednesday. (joevare/Flickr)

Lawmakers Meet with Early-Childhood Education Advocates at Capitol

BOISE, Idaho – Early-childhood education advocates of all stripes, including the lieutenant governor, educators, members of the military and …

Child-care workers bear the responsibility of both looking after and helping to educate children. (Isaac and Aaron Goldberg/Flickr)

Dire State for Child-Care Workers in Idaho

BOISE, Idaho -- As the halfway mark in this year's legislative session approaches, issues such as the state's surplus and tax cuts are making …

BLOCK Fest, an interactive learning program for young children, will be on display at an event tomorrow at the Idaho State Capitol. (IAEYC)

Early-Learning Advocates Gather at Capitol, Play with Blocks

BOISE, Idaho – The Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children is gathering early-learning advocates at the Capitol today to push for …

A new report finds center-based child care is more costly than college tuition in Idaho. (U.S. Army/Flickr)

Child Care Costs: 'It's Tough to Be in the Middle'

MERIDIAN, Idaho — The cost of center-based child care in Idaho is higher than the cost of tuition at a public college, according to a recent …

Idaho lacks child care regulations compared to every other state, so it's up to parents to ask the right questions when choosing child care providers. (Anita Peppers/iStockphoto)

Helping Idaho Parents Choose Best Child Care

BOISE, Idaho – Idaho ranks 52nd in the country, behind Guam and Puerto Rico, for its lack of child care licensing and regulations, according to …

Early learning advocates are rallying in Boise today to promote state funding for pre-kindergarten programs.(anitapeppers/morguefile)

Supporters of Early Education Rally at Capitol Today

BOISE, Idaho - Early childhood education advocates are holding a rally today on the steps of the state Capitol in Boise calling for state funded pre-…

Idaho Children's Trust Fund has tips for enjoying the holidays as a family. Credit: reim11/morguefile

For Holidays, Presence Can Make The Best Presents

BOISE, Idaho - During the holidays, parents can get caught up in the whirlwind of shopping and parties, and sometimes forget that the best present …

Idaho schools got a progress report this week. Credit: Shrironosov/iStock

Idaho Schools Get a Progress Report

BOISE, Idaho - Idaho schools are making progress but they need more money. That's the word from the Governor's Task Force for Improving Education…

PHOTO: Better treatment of Idaho farmworkers and recognition of their importance in the food system are part of the National Farmworker Awareness campaign. Photo credit: Brian Prechtel, USDA Agricultural Research Service.

Farmworker Awareness Salutes Cornerstone of Idaho’s Food System

CALDWELL, Idaho - Farm-to-school programs and buying local food are popular trends in Idaho, and the route those foods take to get to the plate are …

PHOTO: An updated look at measuring poverty in Idaho shows when the effects of state and federal programs are taken into account, the number of children in poverty drops by 77,000. Photo credit: mcconnmama/pixabay.com

Modern-Day Look at Poverty in Idaho Shows Programs Work

BOISE, Idaho - Idaho families experiencing tough economic times are faring better than previously reported. New research released today by the …

PHOTO: High-quality, affordable preschool for low-income working families while also providing access to job training is among the recommendations in a new report on reducing child poverty. Photo courtesy of EPA.

Dual Approach Recommended for Family Stability in Idaho

BOISE, Idaho - It takes a family approach to lift kids out of poverty. That's the premise of a new report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation that …

PHOTO: The Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children has issued a report making connections between K-through-12 and preschool, urging state investment in high-quality early learning. Photo courtesy of Deborah C. Smith.

Pre-K Pilot Receives First Legislative "OK"

BOISE, Idaho - The Idaho Legislature has agreed to look at a proposal for a pilot pre-Kindergarten program. The move is receiving kudos from the …

PHOTO: A new reading report card has been issued for Idaho's fourth graders. It finds most are reading on grade level, and proficiency drops with income. Photo credit: Deborah C. Smith

Reading Between the Lines: Proficiency Report Shows Gaps in ID

BOISE, Idaho – There's something to read between the lines when it comes to the reading abilities of Idaho's fourth graders. Overall…

PHOTO: State Representative Hy Kloc (D-Boise) is introducing legislation today for a Pre-K Pilot Program. Photo courtesy of Rep. Kloc.

Pre-K Pilot Program Introduced

BOISE, Idaho - Preschool as part of the educational system, instead of just "babysitting." That's the thought behind a pre-K pilot program being …

PHOTO: Local and national experts are in Boise today to talk about how to make sure more Idaho children are on track for reading proficiency by the end of third grade. Photo credit: Deborah C. Smith

Today: Idaho Reading and Literacy Summit

BOISE, Idaho - Reading competency by age eight is seen as the ticket to success in life and in school. But too many Idaho children aren't making that …

PHOTO: Eight is the magic number for Idaho�s children to succeed. A report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation makes the case that Idaho needs to make investments in the first eight years of life to set kids on the path to success. Photo credit: Deborah C. Smith

Report: Eight is the Magic Number for Idaho’s Children

BOISE, Idaho - Eight is the magic number for Idaho's children to succeed. A report released today by the Annie E. Casey Foundation makes the case …

GRAPHIC: Children � and adults � are urged to resist the tantalizing images on entertainment screens for one week, ending May 5th. Courtesy CCFC.

"Screen-Free Week" - Plenty of Options in Idaho

BOISE, Idaho - No Nintendos, Play Stations, tablets, TVs or smart phones ... for a week. That's the challenge for kids during this "Screen-Free Week,…

Autism Research Funding Rises Above Congressional Partisanship

BOISE, Idaho - It came down to the last minute, but the Combating Autism Reauthorization Act of 2011 is on its way to the president's desk after a …

New Promises to Children: Campaign Kicks Off in Idaho

BOISE, Idaho - Promises are being made to every child in Idaho, and around the country. The basic idea is that every child deserves to live in a …

Silver and Blue Pinwheels: 11,000 in Idaho and Still Counting

BOISE, Idaho - Yard decor with a message. That's the story behind the thousands of silver and blue pinwheels on display in Idaho for April's Child …

Expert Tells Idaho: All Children are Our Children

BOISE, Idaho - "All children are our children." A nationally-recognized leader on children's issues delivered that message to Idaho on Tuesday at the …

Conference: “Making Children Idaho’s Priority”

BOISE, Idaho - Research shows what works in preventing child abuse and neglect, but there's a challenge when it comes to getting the word out and …

Holiday Shopping Tip for Tots: Keep it Simple, Santa

BOISE, Idaho - Those battery-operated digital wonder toys have their place, but experts say the best way to help a young child develop creativity and …

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ID: Early Childhood Education