The Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children (Idaho AEYC) is the state affiliate of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the largest early childhood organization in the US. Idaho also has five local affiliated chapters: North Idaho AEYC, Eastern Idaho AEYC, Snake River AEYC, Treasure Valley AEYC, and Palouse Area AEYC. Our vision is to inspire and lead those who touch the lives of Idahos children and encourage commitment to the ideal that every Idaho child deserves to live a satisfying childhood that allows them to develop to full potential. We work to fulfill our mission of improving the quality of life for Idahos young children and their families by (1) improving professional practice in early care and education, (2) building public understanding and support, and (3) building and maintaining a strong, diverse and inclusive organization. The following projects are administered through Idaho AEYC:...IdahoSTARS Professional Development System includes Registry, Career Pathway, Incentives and Scholarships, Mentor/Coaches, Reaching the STARS Quality Rating System, Trainer and Training Approval, and 7 Regional Child Care Resource and Referral Offices(CCR&R). ..Scholarships Academic scholarships to increase the level of education of people working in child care centers and family child care homes while making the educational process more affordable, increasing wages and reducing staff turnover. Scholarship funds are offered toward a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, an Early Childhood Associate Degree, a technical certificate, or Bachelor Degree in the field of early childhood education. ..Mentoring for Early Care and Education Project (M.E.C.E.) The vision of M.E.C.E is to develop a pool of qualified professionals throughout Idahos seven regions. Under the IdahoSTARS initiative, early care and education practitioners and/or directors can obtain financial assistance for mentor services in the following categories: Idaho Quality Child Care Apprenticeship program, 2) Individual Projects, 3) Accreditation support, 4) Environment Assessments, 5) and Child Care Health Consultants. M.E.C.E. is currently accepting applications for mentors wishing to work with providers as well as providers seeking mentor/coaching. To be eligible for mentoring services you must be enrolled in the IdahoSTARS Professional Development system. IdahoSTARS Quality Child Care Rating System is being piloted in 2008 to ensure that the assessment process is fair and equitable. The end result will include an assessment of child care programs, technical assistance and reassessment that results in a STAR rating of 1-5 stars. This will allow parents to determine the level of quality based on nationally recognized measures of quality in early care and education. A key component of the Quality Rating System is the STRENGTHENING FAMILIES training that helps child care providers include parents in their program planning and become a link to community services for the parents of the children they serve in child care...Idaho STATE TRAINING AND REGISTRY SYSTEM (IdahoSTARS) is responsible to monitor Idaho Child Care Program (ICCP) providers eligibility for subsidy payment, Parent Child Care Referrals, Child Care Resource & Referral in all 7 Regions of Idaho, and Professional Development System for child care professionals.