Becoming a parent is exciting, joyful, and sometimes ... overwhelming. Knowing what your baby needs to grow, learn, and develop is important, but it can be hard to know where to begin. That's why Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children (Idaho AEYC) created You’ve Got This! From The Start, a program designed to support Idaho families from a child’s birth through kindergarten entry, at no cost. 

As part of the campaign launch, Idaho AEYC will distribute 1,700 play kits for FREE (while supplies last). Each kit includes board books, soft blocks, balls, a plush cuddle toy, and parent guides that promote learning, play, and connection. This program will connect families with high-quality materials and resources and ongoing learning opportunities; simplifying how parents support their child’s learning and growth from day one.

Idaho parents expecting a baby in 2026 are encouraged to enroll and take the first step in this supportive journey. Over the first five years of a child’s life, a critical window for brain development, families will receive ongoing, developmentally appropriate resources and learning opportunities that reinforce early childhood development and strong parent-child relationships.  

“You’ve Got This! From the Start puts parents in the driver’s seat with age-age‑appropriate toys and tools that make early learning feel do-able,” says, Nicole Criner, Executive Director of Idaho AEYC. “Families face a constant stream of decisions. We’re here to offer support and guidance that helps parents feel even more confident in the decisions they’re already making for their child.” 

The program removes common barriers families face, including cost and access to materials, by providing everything free of charge. By simplifying early learning support, Idaho AEYC aims to ensure every Idaho child gets a strong start in life. 

Because when it comes to supporting your child’s growth — You’ve Got This! For more information or to enroll, visit idahoaeyc.org/youve-got-start or contact
[email protected]