Kuna Early Learning Collaborative Awarded ,000 Grant to Enhance Full-Day Preschool Programs
Kuna Preschool Secures Grant to Enhance Educational Access for Local Families
KUNA, Idaho — The Kuna Early Learning Collaborative has been awarded a significant financial boost of ,000 from the Idaho Community Foundation’s Forever Idaho Southwestern Fund. This grant is earmarked to bolster educational programming at the preschool, providing critical support for families in need.
The funding will directly support the preschool’s sliding fee scale initiative, allowing for a more inclusive enrollment policy that accommodates diverse socio-economic backgrounds. This framework is especially beneficial for families who may otherwise struggle to afford early childhood education. The Kuna Early Learning Collaborative operates in association with My Place Preschool, working to ensure that quality education is accessible to a larger segment of the community.
According to the Kuna school district’s 2024-25 report, approximately 38% of families in the area are classified as low-income. By receiving this grant, the early learning program aims to significantly enhance educational accessibility for these families, addressing the gap in early childhood education opportunities within the region.
The collaborative program not only targets preschool-aged children, ages 3 to 5, but also includes essential components such as before and after school care, as well as pre-kindergarten workshops designed for children up to the age of five. Notably, the “Ready! for Kindergarten” initiative, which began in 2020, has expanded to be offered in elementary schools across Kuna, bridging the educational continuum and preparing children for a successful transition into formal schooling.
Currently, the preschool program serves 34 children, fostering a nurturing environment that prepares young learners for future academic success. Local parents have expressed their gratitude, with Ryan Emery, a parent involved in the program, stating, “As a historically rural area, Kuna has traditionally had much less in the way of early educational opportunities than you might find in more populous, developed and socioeconomically prosperous areas of the state and country. I am without words to express the gratitude I hold for My Place Preschool, Kuna Early Learning, and all the individuals who have united to create this life-altering experience for our daughter and family.”
The Forever Idaho Fund is dedicated to distributing regional grants throughout the state, contributing to various educational initiatives and community projects. Contributions to support southwest Idaho programs can be made through the Idaho Community Foundation, further empowering local efforts aimed at enhancing the lives of residents.
This initiative not only highlights the crucial need for strong educational programs in rural areas but also underscores the positive impact that community engagement and support can have on shaping the future of children in Kuna.
