Idaho CDHD Front and Center newsletter

Idaho Center on Disabilities and Human Development logo over the University of Idaho logo
Blue background with bold white text that reads October 31 2025 Front and Center. Welcome to the quarterly newsletter for the Idaho Center on Disabilities and Human Development.

IdahoSTARS shines at early learning conference

IdahoSTARS staff attended and presented at the Northwest Early Learning and Pyramid Summit in November.


They joined other early childhood professionals from Idaho, Washington, Oregon and Alaska in Boise for learning, sharing and collaboration. 

Attendees were treated to two days and 20 different breakout sessions. Learning topics focused on evidence-based strategies, effective learning environments, and enhancing early learning outcomes. There was also a day of pre-summit sessions, providing hands-on training on the Pyramid Model framework.


Five IdahoSTARS staff members were among those sharing their knowledge and experience as presenters of:


  • Introduction to the Pyramid Model by Kim Brooks
  • Group Coaching for Effective Pyramid Model Implementation by Susan Robertson and Michelle Fitch
  • Practical Evaluation for Program Leaders by Beth Ficklin
  • A Scalable On-Ramp to the Idaho Positive Beginnings Collaborative by Kim Brooks and Keira Yetter


Each session showcased the innovative work IdahoSTARS is doing to expand early childhood behavior intervention and supports across our state. It demonstrates the passion and expertise the team brings to their work. Overall, it’s a great example of the commitment our region brings to building effective early learning systems that help to ensure positive outcomes for all children.


The Summit travels to different locations in the northwest each year. Idaho played host for the 2025 event, drawing administrators, coaches, behavior specialists, educators and state teams. Our own Natalie Kincaid, a Pyramid Model Specialist for Idaho SESTA, was recognized for her work in helping to bring the 2025 Summit to life in Boise.

New grant means more Healthy Cooking


A new grant will contribute to funding this semester of HAL Healthy Cooking classes. These classes focus on helping participants with disabilities build practical cooking skills.

A young woman is sitting next to a young man. The woman is holding a bowl of ingredients so the man can stir them with a mixing spoon. Both are looking at the ingredients throughtfully.
Two young girls are sitting together in a classroom. They are working on an assignment together. Both are looking at the paper intently while the girl on the left writes with a pencil.

ITBS provides positive changes


ITBS trains Idaho schools on how to provide positive behavior supports for all students. We found out how this Idaho SESTA sub-project is creating positive change directly from Lark Standley, second grade teacher and PBIS facilitator at Hansen Elementary.

Introducing Vandal Harvest


We’re starting a new, exciting collaboration that will help provide accessible education, training and production of hydroponic crops in University of Idaho campus greenhouses. 

Vandal Harvest logo featuring a dark purple rectangle around a green plant with three leaves. Below the plant are three wavy lines representing water and fertalizer. Below the last line are the worlds Vandal Harvest in capital letters.

Checking in with our student trainees

A bright red background with hold white text that reads Checking in with our student trainees.

Student trainee impacts: Suzanna Winter


Catch-up with Suzanna Winter, former Idaho CDHD trainee, and discover the benefits of her time with us. She discusses how the Center helped her beyond gaining experience for her job as a Youth Support Partner.

Mark your calendar

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February


Movement in the Park and NatureFit Adventures


February 4:

Fred Riggers Disability Advocacy Day (Boise)


February 11:

A11y Idaho: creating accessible email and social media


February 14:

Happy Valentine's Day


February 18:

A11y Idaho open hour


February 23-24:

My Tools for Life (Boise)


Training Opportunity:

Hear We Go: Creative Ways to Support Auditory Development

Session 1: February 4

Session 2: February 11

Session 3: February 18

March


Movement in the Park and NatureFit Adventures


March 7:

artAbility workshop (Moscow)


March 9:

ITC For Credit spring registration closes


March 11:

A11y Idaho: Articulate Rise and accessibility


March 17:

Happy St Patrick's Day


March 18:

A11y Idaho open hour

April


Movement in the Park and NatureFit Adventures


April 8:

A11y Idaho: using built-in accessibility checkers


April 15:

A11y Idaho open hour


April 20:

ITC For Credit summer registration opens


April 29:

artAbility Showcase (Moscow)

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Idaho CDHD | 1187 Alturas Drive | Moscow, ID 83843 US

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