Moderator: Aaron Kunz
Speakers: Gov. Cecil Andrus/Priscilla Salant/Dr. Noreen Womack

2015 Early Childhood Learning Conference was held to identify ways to increase the number of young children who enter school ready to learn
Like other states, Idaho is talking about early childhood learning and school readiness. Communities around the state are trying new ways to help young children prepare for success in school and later life. Several proposals have been made in the legislature and the subject comes up frequently in political debates.
The May 4, 2015 conference goal was to facilitate a nonpartisan dialogue that engaged many voices on the subject of early learning opportunities, whether children are cared for at home or in another setting. Ultimately this conversation was aimed at identifying guiding principles for an Idaho approach to increasing the share of young children who enter school ready to learn.
Conference presenters and participant focused on:
the science of early brain development;
what we know about developmental opportunities for Idaho’s young children today – in homes, child care, pre-schools, Head Start and other settings;
early learning programs from communities in Idaho and other states; and
developing an Idaho approach to improving school readiness.