STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK
Learn about the ongoing struggles to provide early childhood care and learning on Tuesday when the Spur Community Foundation presents a panel discussion titled “Hidden Crisis—Early Childhood Learning & Local Childcare.”
The free presentation and discussion will be held at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12, at Ketchum’s Community Library.
It will feature Janet Salvoni from the Sun Valley Community School, Dr. Robert Sanchez of the Boise-based Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children, Kathryn Ivers of the Wood River Early Learning Collaborative, Hailey Elementary Principal Stephanie Wallace and Brittany Skelton, a local working parent.
In addition to looking at the consequences of the limited childcare options in the Wood River Valley, the presentation will look at long-term economic and social consequences and possible solutions for a more viable future.
“This is a critical conversation for parents, business owners and anyone interested in the future of our community,” said Mary Fauth, executive director of the Blaine County Charitable Fund.
The Blaine County Charitable Fund provides assistance through its Childcare Assistance program.
“Childcare affordability is one of the greatest challenges facing families today. Many local households are struggling with the high cost of early childhood education, which is often the second-largest expense after housing,” Fauth said.
The presentation is the second in the Spur Community Foundation’s new “Giving Thought” Learning Series, which kicked off in September with the presentation of the film “Uncharitable,” which examined best practices for charitable giving.
To attend in person, RSVP at https://thecommunitylibrary.libcal.com/event/12688532. The program also will be livestreamed and recorded for later viewing at https://vimeo.com/event/4585410.
The Spur Community Foundation was founded to promote impactful philanthropy in the Wood River Valley and to assist nonprofit organizations in employing effective practices.
This event is designed to further highlight the roles of nonprofits and generosity in shaping childcare and early learning in the Wood River Valley,” said Cathy Tyson, a representative of Spur Community foundation.
COMING UP:
The Spur Community Foundation will look at Immigration’s Role in the Wood River Valley in January 2025 and Maintaining Community Amidst Growth and change in the Valley in March 2025.