|
"This award reflects more than two decades of partnership with Idaho's child care community," said Melissa Crist, Director of Early Childhood Programs at the CDHD.
"It also recognizes the strong, statewide infrastructure built by the IdahoSTARS project that child care providers, families and our state partners rely on today."
The funding confirms IdahoSTARS will carry on its core responsibilities, including administering, operating and managing:
- the Idaho Child Care Resources and Referral network for providers and families
- provider state licensing and participation in the Idaho Child Care Program
- the state's Quality Recognition and Improvement System
- a comprehensive professional development system for Idaho's child care workforce.
Over the last 20+ years, IdahoSTARS has steadily worked on ensuring quality child care across idaho. The project not only helps families find child care that meets their needs, but also helps to build a skilled child care workforce. IdahoSTARS facilitates the continued training and resources child care providers need to offer exceptional care at the forefront of practice. This includes a newly revamped Professional Development System that supports growth and advancement through placement, scholarships, financial incentives and recognition.
"Our recent system restructures have received state and national recognition for both innovation and human-centered designs that honor the realities and needs of Idaho child care providers and families," said Melissa.
Along with maintaining high standards and innovation in the field, the funding ensures IdahoSTARS can expand services to further improve child care in Idaho. This includes targeted efforts to increase capacity and availability across the state.
The project will also complete a statewide child care needs assessment. It will be conducted in partnership with Dr Sarah Deming, Assistant Professor of Human Development and Family Studies in the University of Idaho's Margaret Ritchie School of Family and Consumer Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
"We are honored to continue this work and excited to partner with providers, families and communities across Idaho to advance solutions that meet the state's evolving child care needs," concluded Melissa.
| 
