UWSEI’s Director of Education Advocates for Rural Communities in Washington D.C.

Pictured from left to right: Robert Sanchez, Executive Director, IDAEYC; Deidre Deculus Robert, Director of State Office Operations, USDA; and Florina Ruvio, Community Engagement Coordinator, IDAEYC.

By Tennille Call, Director of Education, United Way of Southeastern Idaho

I had an amazing opportunity to visit Washington, DC, as one of only four people from Idaho invited to attend the USDA Rural Development Summit on Childcare. It was such an honor to meet with our national delegation—Senator Risch, Senator Crapo, Congressman Mike Simpson—as well as officials from the Department of Health and Human Services and members of the White House administration.

What really stood out during these discussions is just how much rural communities are struggling because of the lack of access to childcare. It’s a huge challenge, and we’re committed to finding solutions that make a real difference for families, businesses, and the workforce as a whole.

Our approach to advocacy has been evolving to address this. On a national level, we’re connecting with our representatives in Congress, ensuring rural childcare stays on their radar. Here in Idaho, we regularly meet with state officials and legislators during our annual early learning visits to the Capitol, where we invite them to see firsthand what’s happening with early childhood education.

Locally, I’m working with Mayor Blad and his Childcare Advisory Board to bring together like-minded childcare providers, so we can talk through the issues we’re facing as a community. We’ve also been meeting with local business leaders each month to find practical, local solutions—because this isn’t just a family issue; it’s affecting our workforce and economy, too. Plus, we’ve got an incredible collaboration with nonprofit partners who meet monthly to figure out where we can step in and fill the gaps to support kids and families.

One of the most exciting things happening right now is our work with eight preschool centers as part of the Bannock County Preschool Cohort. Our aim is to create early learning centers that aren’t just about childcare but about enriching children’s minds and preparing them for the future.

I’m truly grateful for the partnerships we’ve built across the community to tackle this important issue. If any of this resonates with you, or if you’re thinking, “How can I help?”—please reach out! I’d love to have more hands-on deck as we work to make a difference for our kids, families, and communities.