“On Friday, education leaders discussed how after-school programs throughout the state can bolster students’ academic success, confidence, and sense of belonging. They are not a fix-all solution to all that ails Idaho’s youth, but they do provide a way to move forward. The panel was part of a two-day Idaho Out-of-School Network conference that was…
“Emily Allen, outreach and policy associate at Idaho Voices for Children, has worked with child care providers over the past two years to understand their needs and how changes in Idaho policy could meet those needs. Allen joined the Workforce Development Council’s committee and tried to help craft the grant application process with those providers…
“‘The vast majority of Idaho child care providers are small businesses that operate on thin margins in normal times to accommodate as many families as possible,’ said Emily Allen, a policy associate with Idaho Voices for Children, a non-profit formed in 2004 with the goal of advancing public policies focused on child care and child…
“Emily Allen, an outreach and policy associate with Idaho Voices for Children, said, ‘It’s at the point where providers are scared and nervous and are not sure how to have their voices heard.’ That’s led to the push for Monday’s outreach. It will include a virtual event at 9 a.m. for those unable to come…
“One year into the coronavirus pandemic, and the Idaho Legislature continues to play games with resources many industries desperately need to stay afloat. Specifically, I am shocked by the lack of understanding in the Statehouse of how important the child care industry is to our state’s economy. Over 200 child care providers in Idaho have…