IN THE NEWS

3rd Annual IVC Fall Forum

Over 100 people gathered to attend Idaho Voices for Children's 3rd Annual Fall Forum on October 24th, where IVC presented the proposed policy priorities for the 2009 legislative session. Dr. George Askew of Voices for America's Children spoke about the importance of Social Entrepreneurship, and Sen. Dean Cameron shared his thoughts about moving forward with children's health insurance coverage in Idaho. Click here for more information.

First Annual IVC Children's Champion Luncheon

IVC honored it's first Children's Champion at a luncheon event on October 24th. 175 people attended to watch Congressman Mike Simpson receive the award for his strong support of the reauthorization of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (S-CHIP). Congressman Simpson gave a heartfelt speech about what can and should be done to improve outcomes for Idaho's children. Click here for more information.

New KIDS COUNT Data &

Policy Reports

Quality Child Care in Idaho

This policy brief produced by Idaho KIDS COUNT provides an overview of what is meant by quality childcare; why it is important; how it is measured; and how Idaho is performing against established standards. Click here to read the entire report.

Idaho's Quality Child Care Rating System

Idaho's response to the need to improve quality in child care environments is the IdahoSTARS Quality Rating System. This new Idaho KIDS COUNT report provides an overview of this consumer-based system to evaluate child care programs and rate them according to the level at which they meet established quality standards. Click here to read the entire report.

2008 Early Childhood Data Report

This Idaho KIDS COUNT Data Report measures 20 data indicators to assess how Idaho young children are faring. Most striking is the 20 percent increase in young children living between 100 - 150 % of the Federal Poverty level (FPL) and uninsured rate for children under age 5 which increased from a rate of 9.3% in 2006 to 12.4 % in 2007. Idaho is one of only three states (data has changed since the election) that do not make children eligible for CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program) at or below 200% of FPL. Click here to read the entire report.

New Other Source Data & Policy Reports

Pre-Kindergarten Education in Idaho

This report prepared by Boise State University's Center for Business and Economic Research assesses the extent of pre-kindergarten activity at public schools in Idaho. The report shares the results of a statewide online survey and telephone surveys which gathered information about the number and location of children enrolled in pre-k programs. This report also evaluates how schools in Idaho fare with respect to attainment of quality standards for pre-k programs established by the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER). Click here to read the entire report.

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