Education & School Readiness

Education is a lifelong process that begins before birth and continues through childhood and into adulthood. Access to high-quality early education provides a strong foundation for future learning and success. However, Idaho ranks last in the nation for early childhood education participation, with 68 percent of 3- and 4-year-olds not attending preschool. A child’s earliest years are a critical period of brain development that lays the foundation for cognitive growth as well as social and emotional development. Our children need rigorous and well-funded elementary and secondary classes – beginning with high-quality pre-K and full-day kindergarten – to be well prepared for the jobs of today and tomorrow.

We work to increase access to quality early learning programs and to support strong schools and literacy interventions critical to maximizing the potential of Idaho’s young students.

Education & School Readiness Resources

Policy Affects Lives

Last year, we secured first-time state funding for early childhood education programs. We leveraged $30,000 of donor support to secure $1.6 million in state funding for home visiting across the state.

“There is nothing like the feeling of accomplishment when you get to help parents learn about basic infant care needs like bathing and making a bottle. I never forget when mothers have reached out to me in times of need or crisis because I am the only one they can turn to and trust.” – An Idaho nurse and home visitor.