The North Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children University of Idaho Student Affiliate celebrated a nationwide Week of the Young Child with an event dubbed Change for Children and raised $163 of student funds Wednesday outside the Idaho Commons.
NIAEYC-UISA President Samantha Watson said the money is distributed to its Idaho affiliate for the training of child-care professionals. The group also posted cut-out handprints and fliers to promote awareness of the national week.
Philip Vukelich | Argonaut Erin Flaherty, senior in child development and family relations, blows bubbles Wednesday in the Idaho Commons plaza. Flaherty, a member of the North Idaho Association of the Education of Young Children University of Idaho Student Affiliate, was promoting Change for Children, an event to raise money for the training of Idaho child care professionals. The group raised $163 Wednesday.
“Quality child care is linked to later in-school and life success,” Watson said. “It’s important for people to be aware … for society as a whole. If we want a more compassionate, peaceful and well-rounded society, (funding for child care) should be at the top of our list.”
NIAEYC-UISA Vice President Jordan Ridinger said the funds aren’t just for training, but higher quality training.
“When (child care providers) do have quality training, they’ll have more understanding and knowledge of children,” she said.
Ridinger said this creates an atmosphere where children can learn and grow.
“Some university students do have children and they should want to make sure (Idaho education) is a good quality program,” she said.
For those without children, Ridinger said quality education should be on the forefront of their minds as most students will eventually be parents.
During the event, Watson said Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity members were in front of the Change for Children table, running a “Pie a Pike” event in order to raise money to buy a new house.
“They felt bad that they were competing with us,” Watson said. “So they decided all their money was gonna go towards us … They started saying, ‘Pay to pie a Pike to support young children.'”
Pi Kappa Alpha donated all of the day’s funds, totaling more than $40. Watson said Pi Kappa Alpha members mentioned partaking in Week of the Young Child next year as part of their philanthropy activities.
Although fundraising at UI is finished, donations to Change for Children can still be made at downtown businesses like Sisters’ Brew, Wheatberries Bake Shop, Howard Hughes Appliance, One World Cafe and Lilliput Maternity and Children’s Boutique this afternoon.
“By ensuring the well-being of children and families, we increase the well-being of our society as a whole,” Watson said.
Lindsey Treffry can be reached at [email protected]