Idaho Association For The Education Of Young Children

The Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children (Idaho AEYC) serves as the state affiliate of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, which is the largest organization focused on early childhood education in the United States. Within Idaho, there are five local chapters: North Idaho AEYC, Eastern Idaho AEYC, Snake River AEYC, Treasure Valley AEYC, and Palouse Area AEYC. Our vision aims to inspire and guide individuals who impact the lives of children in Idaho, promoting the belief that every child in the state deserves a fulfilling childhood that enables them to reach their full potential. We strive to enhance the quality of life for young children and their families by (1) elevating professional practices in early care and education, (2) fostering public awareness and support, and (3) developing a robust, diverse, and inclusive organization. Idaho AEYC manages several initiatives, including the IdahoSTARS Professional Development System, which encompasses a Registry, Career Pathway, Incentives and Scholarships, Mentor/Coaches, the STARS Quality Rating System, Trainer and Training Approval, and seven Regional Child Care Resource and Referral Offices. Additionally, we provide scholarships aimed at increasing educational qualifications for individuals in child care centers and family child care homes, making education more accessible, enhancing wages, and reducing staff turnover. These funds can be used for obtaining a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, an Early Childhood Associate Degree, a technical certificate, or a Bachelor’s Degree in early childhood education. The Mentoring for Early Care and Education Project (M.E.C.E.) seeks to cultivate a network of qualified professionals across Idaho's seven regions. Through the IdahoSTARS initiative, early care and education practitioners and directors can receive financial support for mentorship services in several areas, including the Idaho Quality Child Care Apprenticeship program, individual projects, accreditation support, environmental assessments, and Child Care Health Consultants. M.E.C.E. is currently open for applications from both mentors looking to assist providers and providers seeking mentorship or coaching. To qualify for mentoring services, individuals must be part of the IdahoSTARS Professional Development system. The IdahoSTARS Quality Child Care Rating System, piloted in 2008, aims to ensure a fair and equitable assessment process for child care programs, providing technical assistance and reassessment that results in a STAR rating from 1 to 5. This rating system helps parents assess the quality of care based on nationally recognized standards. A significant aspect of the Quality Rating System is the STRENGTHENING FAMILIES training, which encourages child care providers to engage parents in program planning and connect them with community services. The Idaho STATE TRAINING AND REGISTRY SYSTEM (IdahoSTARS) oversees the eligibility of Idaho Child Care Program (ICCP) providers for subsidy payments, Parent Child Care Referrals, and Child Care Resource & Referral across all seven regions of Idaho, as well as the Professional Development System for child care professionals. Services are available in both English and Spanish.

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