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Promoting Excellence in Early Care and Education
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September 2011
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Greetings!
On behalf of the staff and Board of Directors for the Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children, thank you for participating in the Idaho AEYC 2011 "Stick Your Neck Out for Idaho's Children" event.
Your support helped us make our event a tremendous success! The evening was filled with powerful stories and reminders that exemplify the the impact we are making on childcare providers, families, and children throughout Idaho.
Idaho AEYC is dedicated to continue the work we do to ensure that our youngest children in Idaho have the opportunity to grow, learn, and prosper in safe, welcoming, and quality early childcare programs.
We would also like to, again, congratulate Genie Sue Weppner as our Idaho AEYC 2011 Stick Your Neck Out for Idaho's Children honoree.
With sincere gratitude,
Beth Oppenheimer
Executive Director
Idaho AEYC
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Idaho AEYC Event Honors Genie Sue Weppner
 Early September marked the Idaho AEYC fundraising online auction hosted by Auction Frog and the Stick Your Neck Out for Idaho's Children celebration event held on the BSU campus on September 10th. The auction and event were a great success.
Nearly 100 people filled the Simplot Ballroom enjoying hearty appetizers, music, beverages, opportunities to bid online for auction items, chances to win wine or toys, inspirational thoughts shared by providers Tami Olsen (Small Spuds) and Lori Fascilla (Giraffe Laugh), and the presentation of the 2011 Stick Your Neck Out for Idaho's Children Award to honoree Genie Sue Weppner.
Genie Sue Weppner's passion for human rights, and her perseverance and ability to think outside the box has brought about significant and positive change for not only child care, but for many young children and their families. Congratulations to Genie Sue!
The Stick Your Neck Out for Idaho's Children Award honors those leaders who work tirelessly to improve opportunities, safety, and long term outcomes for children and their families in Idaho. Nominations are sought from across the state and are voted on by the Idaho AEYC Governing Board. The symbol for the award is a giraffe, not only because of its long neck, but also because this mammal has the biggest heart of all the land animals.
Thank you to the many supporters who contributed in various ways. Monies raised from this event will be used to continue Idaho AEYC programs supporting and promoting quality early child care and education in Idaho.
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Governing Board Meets, Reduces Dues The Idaho AEYC Governing Board met in July in Boise. Orientation and training, strategic planning, electing new officers, getting acquainted, planning for the fall fundraiser, and revising bylaws were some of the tasks set out for the association leaders. The Board also approved a reduction in membership dues. The $90 / $50 / $40 structure went into effect on September 1st. Comprehensive members now pay $90 (instead of $110) for dues; Regular members pay $50; and Students pay $40. The membership committee will be looking at additional incentives as they plan a membership campaign. New officers include President Kris Freeland, Past President Rosemary Shockley, President Elect Jill Bielenberg, Secretary Cheryl Allen, and Treasurer Alicia Estey. Kathleen Miller Green will continue to serve as the National Affiliate Representative.  In late July Eldon Wallace was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Governing Board. Eldon will be chairing the Public Policy Committee with support from Member-at-Large Colleen Fellows. For more information on all the board members, please visit the web. Revisions to the Bylaws were approved by the Board at the September 10 Annual Meeting in Boise and information has been sent to members for a ratification vote.
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Quality Rating and Improvement System Joins Facebook
 Join us on Facebook! LIKE the IdahoSTARS Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS). See the latest QRIS news, get new ideas, learn about new resources, and connect with other Early Childhood (EC) professionals to promote quality child care.
Check out our new FB page to read the most recent articles about child development, child care, national movements, and QRIS activity in the state of Idaho. New resources lead to new ideas and connections to other child care professionals who are improving quality. Expand your professional circle and your awareness of best practice.
Another idea: Set up your own FB page to connect with parents. Post educational articles, advertise your strengths, and promote quality. FB is a free and easy way to connect daily with families, start conversations, plan events, and celebrate the work you do!
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Julaine Ziegert Retires
Following a "joy-full" 7 years as the Director of the Mentor-Coaching Program, Julaine Ziegert retired in August announcing that she was "allowing space in her life for whatever wanted to show up next." When last spoken to by a staff member, Julaine stated that she was so busy she didn't know how she ever had time to work. Not surprising considering this high energy, dynamic lady. Julaine will be missed by colleagues as well as those she worked with in the mentor-coaching program and all of IdahoSTARS. But, as Julaine taught us, "It is all PERFECT."
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The addition of many facilities in the STAR ratings list in the last newsletter generated a question from a provider and one from a parent.
Question:
How do I get a STAR rating for my child care center?
Answer:
1. Contact your local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) office.
2. Complete a self-study of your child care facility to identify the quality practices already in place.
3. Create an improvement plan based on the self-study.
4. Implement the plan for up to a year. (Funding is available to help you.)
5. Apply for a STAR rating.
Question:
How do I find a STAR rated center for my children?
Answer:
Quality child care matters, so good for you for looking for a rated child care!
For complete information, visit the IdahoSTARS website. A wealth of information is on the page and the list of QRIS (Quality Rating and Improvement System) rated facilities is at the bottom of the page organized by region.
Do you have something that is puzzling you? Send your question to Jane Zornik. One question will be selected for publication each month. Names will not be published.
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Shining Stars
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STAR ratings indicate that facilities have reached a standard of excellence.
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Community Partnerships of Idaho DBA Sandcastles (Boise/Region 4)
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Diane's Early Care and Education Center (Iona/Region 7)
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Giraffe Laugh Too (Boise/Region 4)
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Learning Garden (Post Falls/Region 1)
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Little School House (Boise/Region 4)
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Precious Moments Childcare (Coeur d' Alene/Region 1)
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Ready Set Grow (Boise/Region 4)
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The Lighthouse Preschool and Childcare (Chubbuck/Region 6)
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YMCA-St. Lukes Infant/Toddler and Preschool (Boise/Region 4)
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ABC's and 123's Child Development Center (Nampa/Region 3)
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ASISU Early Learning Center (Pocatello/Region 6)
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Christ the King Child Development Center (Coeur d Alene/Region 1)
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Deb's Childcare (Boise/Region 4)
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Deb N Rienna's Daycare (Idaho Falls/Region 7)
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Donna's Learning Center (Star/Region 4)
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Eagle Adventist Christian Center (Eagle/Region 4)
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Fingerprints Children's Center (Lewiston/Region 2)
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Funshine Home Away from Home (Idaho Falls/Region 7)
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Happy Home Daycare (Pocatello/Region 6)
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ISU Early Learning Center (Idaho Falls/Region 7)
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Kare Bear Child Care (Pocatello/Region 6)
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Kari's Korner (Pocatello/Region 6)
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Kerri's Kids (Emmett/Region 3)
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Kids Choice Childcare Center (Meridian/Region 4)
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Kids Korner (Idaho Falls/Region 7)
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Little Learners (Nampa/Region 3)
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Roni's House Family Childcare (Notus/Region 3)
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Small Spuds Childcare (Boise/Region 4)
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The Garden of Learning (Nampa/Region 3)
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The Wright Childcare and Learning Center (Nampa/Region 3)
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Turner Center (Caldwell/Region 3)
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Bonna's All Stars (Chubbuck/Region 6)
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Heaven's Daycare (Nampa/Region 3)
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Loly's Daycare (Nampa/Region 3)
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Idaho AEYC is a proud affiliate of the National Association for the Education of Young Children
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Did You Know...
The annual cost of center-based child care for a 4-year-old is more than the annual in-state tuition at a public four-year college in 33 states and the District of Columbia.
- According to a report issued by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities in August.
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Upcoming Events | |
Charlotte Diamond: Sing and Grow Together
October 1, 2011
Lewiston, Idaho
North Idaho AEYC Annual Conference
North Idaho College
October 21-22, 2011
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
NAEYC Annual Conference and Expo
November 2-5, 2011
Orlando, Florida
For more information about these events, visit our website calendar.
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Thank you | Thank you for supporting our efforts to promote quality early child care and learning in Idaho.
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Contact Information
| Jane Zornik, Idaho AEYC Newsletter Editor
contactus@idahoaeyc.org
208.345.1090 x25 |
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