Idaho Family 3 2018

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March 2018

OPEN ADOPTION A birth mom’s story

PI BABIES

ZOO BOISE

Quads turning 3

A ‘wild’ place

See inside for our...

TEACHING KIDS RESPECT

Early Learning, Preschool & Childcare GUIDE

Applaud the positive

The Weavers family, from left, Sebastian, mom Heather, Lincoln, Yale (on dad’s shoulders), dad Guy, Hamilton, and big sister Brooklyn

Contents

March 2018

Features 4

What you can control

Columns 6 The Horney Village

School options

Your reaction

The Weavers

Bouncing toddlers, new business

10

Departments 8 Adoption

A Different Kind of Love Story

New channel brings PBS KIDS to Idaho

12 Wednesday’s 14 14 Child

Zoo Boise

15

Meet Nathaniel

Reinforce the positives

In Each Edition Early Learning, 20 Preschool & Child Care Guide 2018

Publisher J.J. Plew Cover Photo Let it Shine Photography Editor Gaye Bunderson editorgaye@gmail.com Sales & Marketing J.J. Plew jjplew82@gmail.com 208-697-2043 Contributors Daniel Bobinski, Zoie Hoffman, Jessie Horney, Sandy McDaniel, Kurt Orzeck, Mary Ann Wilcox Graphic Design Carol Smiley csmileydesign@gmail.com

Teaching responsibility

A ‘wild’ place

Volume 6, Number 3

3 Editor’s Intro

Are you a WAHP?

16 Family Events Calendar

2 MARCH 2018 | Idaho Family Magazine

Distribution Shauna Howard Doris Evans

Idaho Family Magazine, published monthly

by Gem Production Co., LLC, is committed to providing readers with informative and entertaining information to help them in maintaining healthy families and positive lifestyles. It is distributed throughout the valley as a free publication. Idaho Family Magazine does not assume responsibility for statements or opinions expressed by editorial contributors or advertisers. The acceptance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services or information. Idaho Family Magazine does not knowingly present any product or service which is fraudulent or misleading in nature. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced without express written consent of the publisher. Reader correspondence and editorial submissions are welcome. Idaho Family Magazine reserves the right to edit or reject all materials submitted.

All rights reserved. Copyright 2018 by Gem Production Co., LLC. Follow us on Facebook www.idahofamilymagazine.com

EDITOR’S Intro

A tip or two for WAHPs (Work at Home Parents)

A

fter commuting to work for more than 28 years, I opened a home office during the week of Thanskgiving 2017. It was nice getting out of bed and having my office only 15 steps away. No car to warm up, no traffic to battle, and no adverse weather to brave.

I’ve discovered three new acronyms since becoming a home-based worker: WAHM – Work at Home Mom WAHD – Work at Home Dad WAHP – Work at Home Parent An article at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/work_at_ home_parent says that many parents who work at home choose to pay for child care while working in-home. However, other parents choose working at home because they want to integrate their working lives with their parenting. The article states: “Many WAHPs start home-based businesses in order to care for their children while still creating income. The desire to care for one’s own children, the incompatibility of a 9-to-5 workday with school hours or sick days, and the expense of child care prompt many parents to change or leave their jobs in the workforce to be available to their children. Many WAHPs build a business schedule that can be integrated with their parenting duties.”

Admittedly, the need to mix family and career was not my motivator for leaving an office and heading for home. So I tapped a regular contributor to Idaho Family Magazine, Daniel Bobinski, who has worked from home for many years, including while his wife homeschools children in another part of the house. I asked for his sage perspective on the pros and cons of mixing home offices and families. True to form, he was very precise. Here’s what he had to say: PROS 1. I love my commute. It’s about 10 seconds, and I don’t even have to leave the house.

2. I don’t have to pack a lunch or go out to a restaurant. And the coffee pot is never empty unless I empty it.

3. I can set my own hours and take breaks when I want.

Some places give you from noon to 1 p.m. for lunch, and that’s it. Come back to work at 1:04 and you’re getting evil stares. That doesn’t happen at my home office.

CONS 1. Camaraderie and synergy are easily lost. A very wise king from times past once said, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.” This is certainly true for me. When I’m working on a project with someone else, I notice I get things done much faster. When working alone, I notice I often have to reach deep down for focus and energy to keep pressing on.

2. It’s easy to get sidetracked. You get up from your desk and on your way to refill your coffee you notice something that’s been on your “to do” list, so you take the time to do it. Next thing you know, two or three hours have passed and now you’re behind on your work.

3. Social media can become a wormhole. You go online to post an article on LinkedIn, and the next thing you know you’re reading what other people have posted. Even worse is Facebook — possibly the biggest productivity vacuum ever invented.

4. Family members and/or pets distract you. It’s natural — you’re part of the family, and they have a question or they need you to do something. Again, it can eat those golden work hours.

WHAT I’VE FOUND THAT HELPS FOR COUNTERACTING THE CONS 1. Use a time-tracking app such as Tsheets to help you keep track of where you’re spending your time. Set goals and strive to meet them (see accountability, below).

2. Use a project / task tracking app such as Todoist or Trello so things don’t fall through the cracks. Update this regularly (see accountability, below).

3. Create an accountability system. Whether it’s a co-worker (if you’re working remotely), or a virtual assistant, or some other kind of accountability partner. You should be in Continued on page 11

Children’s Photos Wanted

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March 2018

Idaho Family Magazine would love to put your child or children on our cover. All photos should be high quality, sharp and clear, and high resolution of around 300 ppi. Color photos are preferred, and all photos need to be vertical not horizontal. Please identify the children in the photos, the children’s ages, and what Treasure Valley community they reside in. (If chosen for the cover, their last names will not be used without permission.) Send the photos to editorgaye@gmail.com.

On the Cover:

The Weavers family, from left, Sebastian, mom Heather, Lincoln, Yale (on dad’s shoulders), dad Guy, Hamilton, and big sister Brooklyn www.idahofamilymagazine.com

OPEN ADOPTI ON A birth mom’s story

ZOO BOISE

PI BABI ES

A ‘wild ’ place

See inside for

Quads turni ng 3

Early Lea our... rning, Pre & Childc are GUIDE school

TEACHING KIDS RE SPECT Applaud the posit ive

The Weav ers family, from left, (on dad’s Sebastian, shoulders), mom Heath dad Guy, er, Lincol Hamilton, and big sister n, Yale Brooklyn

Idaho Family Magazine | MARCH 2018 3

WHAT YOU can control

How you respond to others is up to you

By Sandy Spurgeon McDaniel

T

oday’s children need to walk YOU think that matters. We tend to listen through an obstacle course of to others and give their votes higher value unkindness in order to survive at than our own. If I were to line up 100 people school. There is the obvious bully who have read my “Don’t Feed the Dragon” who uses put-downs, abusive contact and parenting book and 99 loved it, but one sneers as his or her weapons of choice. Less person did not, that one person’s OPINION obvious, but emotionally threatening to some could override all the positive comments. students, is a snide remark here, a comparison This is a difficult concept: not everyone is remark there, a “look” of disapproval, and going to like you. I was talking to a 6-year-old being snubbed by ‘the group.’ One of the boy. One of the kids in his classroom made a basic truths that all children need to learn is pact that they would not be friends. Trying to that you cannot control what another person fit in is such a trauma for too many kids. I am says or does; you are only in charge of your Sandy Spurgeon McDaniel reminded of the scene in the marvelous movie behavior.

“Wonder,” where the main character, Auggie, is My children’s book, “Believe You Are Beautiful,” tells of sitting alone because he is different. a time an ant told a caterpillar he was ugly. In the book, Watching a movie like that with your children opens the the caterpillar goes under a branch so it can’t hear the ant. door to lots of conversations about unkindness.

We need to teach children to walk away when someone is unkind. We need to teach that what someone else thinks is Here are some conversation starters: just that person’s opinion. In the book, Owl tells us that what • How did the mother feel sending Auggie off to school? is ugly to one person is beautiful to another — and it’s what • What was her greatest fear?

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• How did Auggie feel?

• How did Auggie feel when the boy came to sit with him?

• Are you and your friends brave enough to deliberately include someone in an activity who is somehow different?

• Is ANY unkind message okay to send?

• If you hear someone else say something unkind to someone, what could you do?If someone says something unkind to you, what could you do?

• What touched your heart in the movie?

• What made you feel sad?

• What did you decide for yourself after seeing this movie?

My grandaughter, Chelsea, and I were having a conversation when she was 9, and she mentioned someone had said something unkind to her. We talked a minute about details and then I snapped, “Chelsea, you’re a pine cone!”

She withdrew her body, asking, “What did you say?”

I leaned forward and looked as mean as I could and repeated, “You’re a pine cone!”

She started to laugh and responded to my question about why she was laughing with, “Because I’m not a pine cone!”

I took her hand and said, “So you know who you are, you know the truth about you. No one else gets that right. No one can tell you who you are. Another thing is to pretend you have magic ears, so when someone says something unkind, what you hear is, ‘Chelsea you are a pine cone!’”

Zero tolerance: Parents need to set a zero tolerance for any unkindness.

From my discipline system (parentingsos.com) give a child a penny every time he/she is unkind and that child will rethink the value of kindness. (Pennies are not rewards in my system, so check it out.)

My sons would say, “Mom, it’s the way guys are!” I would smile and respond, “Not in our home.”

Kind. Gracious. Loving. Kids are taught at home how to be these things. If there is a consequence (lectures don’t work, and they are boring!) that costs too much, the child will choose kindness.

It’s like coaching a salmon to go upstream, trying to get our children to be kind. If we fail as parents and educators, then we are co-creators of a world that is not safe for anyone, especially someone who is different. I invite you to teach the children under your care to be kind or be quiet, to be a part of the solution instead of the problem.

For 54 years, Sandy has been an international speaker and recognized authority on families and children. Author of five books, columnist, founder of parentingsos.com, she is a resident of Meridian and loves spending time with her three Idaho grandchicks. Semi-retired, she speaks to schools, churches, and MOPS groups and provides parent coaching sessions in person and on the phone. She is available for parenting talks/trainings in the Treasure Valley and may be reached at sandy@parentingsos.com. Also, go to YouTube: Sandy Spurgeon McDaniel to see videos on specific parenting issues.

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3:27 PM Idaho Family Magazine | MARCH2/5/18 2018 5

THE HORNEY VILLAGE

School options a privilege for family

By Jessie Horney

H

ere’s how my parents decided where to send me and my siblings to school: They found out where the school bus that stopped in front of our house was headed, and they put us on it. My parents bought our childhood home because of its proximity to an elementary, junior high, and high school, all three within walking distance, because who’s got time to shuttle seven children to and from school activities? Make those kids walk, man.

But then in a stroke of terrible luck, it turned out we lived on the school district boundary line. So while our neighbors walked to the close-by schools, we languished on various 30-minute bus rides for 12 years. That’s a lot of hours of potty talk in the back of the bus, believe me. This also happens to be where I learned where babies come from, because school bus aisles are the suburban kid’s back alleys.

A few decades later, here’s how I’m deciding where to send my three kids to school: Panic attacks, late night school district webpage browsing, and a level of soul-searching normally reserved for marriage proposals and Peace Corp applicants.

Why the angst, you ask? Why not just toss a rock and see which elementary school it lands on, since there seems to be one on every block? Well, because these days, it’s not that simple. I mean, it could be, but us “modern” parents think our kids deserve what we didn’t have — a school that meets our kids’ every need and caters to their (our) special interests and specific scheduling parameters.

And miraculously, these preferences can all be met.

Should I send my 5-year-old to the neighborhood school, a beautiful new brick building less than a mile from our house?

That can’t be the answer — too prosaic. She’s more special than that.

How about the arts charter school? What I wouldn’t have given for an elementary drama program that didn’t involve my music teacher plodding through Christmas carols on the piano while we all swayed on the bleachers in matching elf hats. My kids deserve more. They could learn to dance.

To sing. To paint. To wear weird hats and take a staunch political stance in the fourth grade. I better get their name in the art school lottery, like, yesterday.

Or there’s the math and science charter school, committed to STEM, and to progress; how can I not offer that to my little girl and her future? Shouldn’t I give her all the math and science I can find, so that she can get a real job someday?

God forbid she becomes a writer or something. Tech is the future; shouldn’t I prepare my kids?

I actually homeschooled my daughter this year. Her birthday isn’t until the last week of August and I couldn’t 6 MARCH 2018 | Idaho Family Magazine

stand the idea of sending my 4-year-old to kindergarten, but she wanted to learn, so I compromised and taught her at home. Don’t roll your eyes too hard, homeschooling isn’t what it used to be. We didn’t even have to join a cult or grow our own wheat. Although we do memorize a lot of poems and spend most hours “just playing outside,” so maybe it’s exactly what you’re imagining.

While homeschooling is another viable option for us, because I work from home and love to learn with my kids, even homeschooling offers option after option after hotly debated option, from Charlotte Mason to Classical Conversations to co-ops to online public schools attended at home…it’s endless.

It’s exhausting.

And these are just the free options. If I wanted to pay a college tuition rate for my kids to learn the alphabet, I could scoot them off to a private education. Maybe the Catholic school? They’d attend chapel each day, get a great education, and above all else, wear an adorable uniform. Navy blue jumpers. Crisp white shirts. The adorable uniform is a heavy factor here, I’m embarrassed to admit. Or, what about just a private school with cool rules, like no grading system, and calling teachers by their first name? Would I end up with a bunch of ski bums and (heaven help us) poets?

It’s March, school registration time, so I need to answer these questions soon. Will school next year be at our own kitchen table again? Or will my daughter be dancing with the art kids? Can I finally buy the tiny uniform and send her off to say prayers before class? Will she head to the STEM school’s engineering labs? Or will she walk out our front door and join the scores of kids skipping down the sidewalk to our neighborhood elementary school, just like my parents dreamed for me all those years ago?

These questions, of course, float in a pool of privilege.

The fact that we have so many choices, that she has a parent who could drive her across town to a specialized school, that the specialized school even exists, that my little daughter has access to a free education in a society that (mostly) believes all girls deserve the chance at success...this is a life of privilege.

I won’t take that for granted. I clutch the treasure of my children’s minds and future close to my heart, while resting in the knowledge that it is not the school that makes the kid, but the kid who makes something out of what the school gives him or her.

My parents gave me the only option available for school, whereas I have the freedom of preference. Here’s what hasn’t changed in the years since I stepped on that school bus in front of my house, and what never changes for parents: We are dreamers. We want good things for our kids, beautiful www.idahofamilymagazine.com

lives and better chances than we had. Sometimes we feel like world-makers, designing a reality out of school registrations and summer camps and sports teams and all the checks we write for all the opportunities…when really, we’re supposed to be guides. Our kids don’t need us to make a way, they need us to stay close along the way. So what if they end up in the weird hat, espousing misguided political views? So what if they wander away from the path we so carefully laid before them? Did we dream for them? Did we show them the way?

Then we did our job. They have to do the rest.

I’m sure whatever I choose for my daughter this fall, I’ll second guess myself. But she’ll thrive no matter what, because she loves to learn and because all of these choices are good choices. What a privilege to put on that backpack each day, I’ll tell her. What a life we have.

Jessie Horney is a freelance writer and poet.

Find her at www.horneymomtellsall.com.

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Idaho Family Magazine | MARCH 2018 7

ANOTHER KIND of love story

A birth mother’s story of open adoption

By Jennifer Randolph

A

s an outstanding high school senior who played varsity sports, got good grades, came from a solid family and had a steady boyfriend for over two years, pregnancy after the first time I had ever engaged in sex came as quite a shock for me. Yeah, I am THAT girl. That 0.1 percent.

Terrified, my boyfriend and I deliberated quietly about what to do. Five months into the pregnancy, we told my parents. Although very upset, my parents were supportive and urged us to make our own decision so we could hold ourselves fully accountable for the consequences. Although not at first, I ultimately realized how crucial it was that I, with my boyfriend, be the one to decide the future of our baby.

At the time, I didn’t like hearing this at all. I was scared and wanted my mom and dad to tell me what to do. Looking back, I am so thankful to my parents for letting me make the decision.

While I was confused and unsure about what to do, I knew that I did not have the resources at the time to parent a child.

I had plans for college and felt that I still had growing up to do. My boyfriend had endured a rough childhood as a son born to a single mother. We knew we did not want to put our baby through similar hardship.

I had had such a good upbringing. I knew I could not bear not to provide the same for my child. It was unacceptable to me. I felt deep down that my child should not pay the price for being born too soon in my life. Although I could offer her love, that was not enough. She needed a good home, stability and two parents.

Through some workshops and counseling at a local agency, I learned that adoption could be a possibility for me. I felt the staff were very understanding and non-judgmental. They did not promote any particular decision but presented the pros and cons of all the options. After a lot of reading and thinking, I realized that, for me, open adoption sounded the most attractive. As an achiever, I was accustomed to having control over things in my life. I found the idea of being able to choose adoptive parents for my baby, to meet these parents and then have them provide frequent pictures and letters of my child, very tangible and reassuring.

I liked open adoption because if I was about to give someone the most precious gift I possibly ever could, the least they could do in return was to share pictures and updates that showed they were taking good care of my baby. I did not want to wonder who my child was and what she looked like.

I wanted to see for myself that she was in a good home and appeared happy.

Photo above: Birth mom Jennifer is shown with Hannah, the daughter she gave up for adoption.

Through an open adoption process, Jennifer and Hannah have been able to remain close. (Courtesy photo)

8 MARCH 2018 | Idaho Family Magazine

www.idahofamilymagazine.com

I wanted the baby to have information about me as well.

As a child, I had a friend who had been adopted. She did not know anything about her birth mother and would make up stories about her, pretending she was someone famous. I did not want my little girl to grow up inventing stories about me. I wanted her to know exactly who I was and where I had come from.

Though my boyfriend and I read many adoptive parent profiles, we knew instantly when we came across the right match. Debbie and Bill sounded almost familiar to us. I felt that they would be able to raise my baby similar to how I had been raised. Meeting Debbie and Bill fortified my decision — I felt certain that this was the right couple.

Despite the intensity of my own emotional needs, I was sincerely moved by Debbie and Bill’s earnest desire to adopt my baby. They had been waiting so long to love a child.

They had been through so much and had been trying to adopt a baby for 10 years. They were older and were being told that their chances of adopting were slim. I could not bear to break their hearts. After meeting Debbie and Bill, I didn’t waver in my decision; I just kept thinking about them.

When Hannah was born, my boyfriend and I were able to spend three days in the hospital with her. I made the decision to breastfeed Hannah for those three days. I had read about colostrum (the early breast milk) and knew how good it was for babies. I felt like if three days was all I was going to have with my baby that I wanted to provide the very best for her for those three days. It was the only thing I could give her that nobody else could. It was my gift to Hannah.

Debbie and Bill came to visit. However, they were very careful not to stay too long, and I never felt like they were rushing me. In fact, I felt like Debbie and Bill seemed most concerned about how I was weathering the experience.

Believe me, I was grieving. As best I could, I utilized each step and decision of the adoption process to confront and face my tumultuous emotions. So when the time actually came to send Hannah to her new home, I remember feeling acutely sad, but also feeling surprisingly ready.

After three days, the agency counselors came and helped my boyfriend and I to do a special handing-over ceremony where we exchanged pictures and mementos with Debbie and Bill. We also gave our blessings and said our goodbyes.

Yet, even though it was a parting, I felt the comfort of knowing that it was not truly a goodbye. We would be receiving frequent updates and pictures that we had all agreed upon ahead of time, and we had left open the option for future contact if we all decided that was best.

It felt really good knowing that we all knew something about each other, but not too much. That we had enough for now, but could have more later if it worked out that way.

And that was very good for all of us.

To my surprise, within two weeks, I received a call that Debbie had extended family in town who were hoping to www.idahofamilymagazine.com

meet Hannah’s birth parents. We agreed. We met, and I held Hannah for the entire visit. Yet again, I felt this meeting cemented the fact that we had made the best decision in placing Hannah with Debbie and Bill. I was so excited to see how much love and attention she was getting — moreover, how happy they were to be parenting her.

A few months later, Bill had relatives in town who also wanted to meet us. Again, the experience was so positive among the family members, and with us getting to personally witness Debbie and Bill’s dedication to Hannah, that it became a tradition. For the next few years, all of the family — birth and adopted — would get together for a reunion.

We essentially became what is one large extended family for Hannah.

Hannah is no longer a baby. Eventually, I moved away and got married. Debbie and Hannah flew to my wedding (all the way in Tennessee) so Hannah could be a bridesmaid.

We still get together for holidays, summer barbecues or whatever occasions feel right. I have since gone on to give birth to another child, Bryant. I am delighted in noting that this experience has only brought our families even closer.

My husband, Zac, and I chose Debbie and Bill as Bryant’s godparents, and Hannah loves having a younger sibling to get to know. My son was recently in her wedding as a groomsman. They adore each other and are very close.

One of my favorite things about open adoption is that Hannah has never had to question whether or not I love her.

She has grown up seeing my love firsthand. And I have been able to see with my own eyes, over and over, that Hannah is loved and cared for. We became a family not because we share the same genes, but because we share a love for each other. I am blessed beyond measure.

Note: Jennifer Randolph grew up in Portland and placed Hannah up for adoption just before coming to Idaho to attend Boise State University.

Zac is not Hannah’s father, but Hannah still has frequent contact with her birth father, as well as Zac, Jennifer and her new brother, Bryant.

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Idaho Family Magazine | MARCH 2018 9

PI BABIES 3.141592653

Four little Weavers about to turn 3

By Gaye Bunderson

T

o any mom who darts down a hallway after one wayward toddler, the idea of chasing after four toddlers must sound like a minor nightmare. A mother who finds herself running after that many high-spirited tykes could easily, exhaustedly ask herself, “What kind of mess have I gotten into?”

Heather Weavers doesn’t wade into the realm of “why me?”, not even for a second — and she has a very sound reason for why she doesn’t ‘go there.’

“With four kids, you don’t have time for that. There’s no time for a pity party,” she said. “If you start thinking, ‘How am I going to do this?’, you turn around and some kid is drinking out of the toilet. There’s just no time; I don’t even have time to have friends.”

There may be no pity parties in the Weavers household, but the family is on the verge of throwing a big celebration — a birthday party for a lovable gang of four.

Guy and Heather Weavers became the parents of quadruplets on Pi Day, March 14, 2015, the day the date corresponds with the numerals in the mathematical constant known as “pi,” or 3.141592653. While Pi Day is exceptionally rare — occurring only once a century — the birth of quads isn’t exactly an everyday occurrence either, and the Weavers quads became minor local celebrities when they popped into the world.

Now they’re turning 3, and they’ll be feted on March 14, 2018 with a party that will be themed “Young, Wild and Three!” It won’t, according to their mom, be a time set aside just for spoiling them.

“In lieu of presents for the kids, we’re asking people to donate to Mini Joys,” Heather Weavers said during a recent interview.

The only girl in the foursome, Yale, looks through a book in the foreground while her three Weavers brothers play with toys. (Photo by Let It Shine Photography) 10 MARCH 2018 | Idaho Family Magazine

Mini Joys is a nonprofit that mixes gentle miniature horses and kind-hearted volunteers with kids in need of hope and healing. Heather’s 15-year-old daughter Brooklyn volunteers there and a former supportive boss of Heather’s, attorney Craig Marcus and his wife Lynne, are involved in the outreach, making it perfect for funds in lieu of presents for the quads. (Go to http://www.minijoys.org/ or www.crowdraise.com/mini-joys.)

The quadruplets include three boys — two of which are identical twins — and one girl. Their names are Lincoln, Yale (baby girl), Sebastian and Hamilton (the twins). While Guy continues his work as an engineer in the valley, Heather has opened her own business, Pi Baby Boutique.

Pi Baby started out as an online store operating out of the Weavers’ home. Heather had sought discounts, promotions or wholesale opportunities with sellers of baby products.

“Buying times four was so difficult,” she said.

Early on, she abandoned the idea of disposable diapers, which would have had to be bought by the cartload over and over at stores. She opted instead to get a second washing machine and keep a pipeline of fresh, clean, cloth diapers ready for her foursome.

And, of course, diapers weren’t all they needed. All the necessary baby products from bottles to clothes had to be purchased in bulk. Because babies outgrow everything quickly, Heather found herself with an abundant supply of leftover products as the infants grew or gave up bottles or needed age-appropriate toys, toddler beds, or whatever. She decided to use the huge haul of goods she had at home to start her internet-based business.

She found that as she posted her children’s photos on social media with, for instance, a new stroller, she would get queries from other parents wanting to know where she got it and how they could get one. People also started to tell her, “I wish you had a place where I could come and see it all.”

Surprisingly soon after the birth of her babies, Heather signed a lease on property at 10870 W. Fairview Ave., Ste. 101, in Boise. The date was June 5, 2015. Because some build-out was required on the space, the grand opening of Pi Baby Boutique didn’t take place until March 14, 2016, with Boise Mayor Dave Bieter making an appearance at the event.

Things started out slowly for the storefront business, but it soon gained traction. “The boutique really took off last year,” Heather said. “People are willing to spend so much on babies — parents, grandparents, people needing gifts for newborns.”

There are both new and gently used items in the store, but Heather doesn’t re-sell others’ used goods. Also, while it started out a baby products store, as the quads have ‘aged’ into toddlerhood, Pi Baby also now offers items to meet www.idahofamilymagazine.com

EDITOR’S Intro Contined from Page 3

toddlers’ needs. “It morphed into a toddler store,” said Heather.

As people buy up products at the boutique, she replenishes them. There is a continuing supply of all things baby and toddler.

Having Pi Baby helped with the expensives inherent in giving birth to a quartet. “I really believe this store has been a supplement for everything the kids need,” she said.

Heather and Guy aren’t alone in the daunting task of raising their quadruplets. They have help in the way of an au pair who lives with them as part of a cultural exchange program for 1-2 years.

Heather said her children are “wickedly smart.”

“They’re reading at a higher level than other kids their age.

They love books and they love numbers,” said the quad mom.

Heather admits she never imagined having a houseful of four babies — now toddlers — and never saw herself owning a business. But both the babies and the business blended well and, in the end, seemed to come together like a pre-set plan.

“I wouldn’t be owning a business if I didn’t have four kids,” she said.

touch with this person at least once per day to discuss priorities and brainstorm options.

4. Create an accountability team. Identify three or four people and meet once a quarter or so. Buy them lunch (or dinner) on the condition that the focus of the meeting is your efficiency and effectiveness. Be open about your work habits, and be open to receiving feedback / suggestions from them.

If you’re thinking of joining the hundreds of people working from home — both parents and non-parents — Daniel’s tips are something worth considering. I would also add: make sure your workstation is ergonomic and insert something active into your day, such as an exercise routine, even a brief one. Neglecting either of those could lead you to become an overweight sloucher with a back problem, which would be, as one famous tweeter might say, “Sad.” —Gaye Bunderson, Editor

For more information, go to www.pibaby.com.

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Idaho Family Magazine | MARCH 2018 11

New channel brings PBS KIDS to Idaho 24/7 Submitted by Idaho Public Television

T

his February, Idaho Public Television officially launched its fifth broadcast channel — and this one is packed full of educational programs for kids, airing all day and night.

The Idaho PBS KIDS Channel is made possible thanks to founding sponsors who support around-the-clock educational programming. Sponsors include CapEd Credit Union, Albertsons, IDeal – Idaho College Savings Program, and High Five! powered by Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation.

The new channel will be available for free to viewers who receive IdahoPTV’s over-the-air signal. As of February 1, viewers may need to “rescan” their television or digital receiver to add the new channel.

In addition to broadcasting over the air, the Idaho PBS KIDS Channel will be carried by many cable TV providers.

The channel is streaming live on the IdahoPTV website and can be viewed through the PBS KIDS Video app on tablets, smartphones, and streaming devices such as Apple TV and Roku.

The live stream experience offers an integrated games feature, enabling children to toggle between a PBS KIDS show and an activity that extends learning — all in one seamless digital experience. The live stream and games feature is grounded in research demonstrating that measurable gains in learning are achieved when children engage with both video and games. The games align with the learning goals of each TV series.

The lineup of programs on the new channel includes favorites such as Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Wild Kratts, Ready Jet Go!, and Splash and Bubbles. It also includes PBS KIDS favorites not currently available on IdahoPTV: Fetch With Ruff Ruffman,

Students in Weiser create animated stories using PBS KIDS Scratch Jr. (Photo by Jim Hadley) Cyberchase, Peep & the Big Wide World, WordWorld and others.

The channel will also be home to the newest PBS KIDS creation, Pinkalicious & Peterrific, which premiered on February 19. Based on the book series by Victoria Kann, this new series encourages children ages 3-5 to engage in the creative arts and self-expression, covering areas such as music, dance and visual arts.

Paula Kerger, president and CEO of the Public Broadcasting Service, announced the launch of the new channel during a visit to Boise last September.

Speaking at a luncheon for sponsors of IdahoPTV programming, Kerger said, “At the very core of public broadcasting’s work is an unwavering commitment to education, and that begins with our nation’s youngest learners.

Today, PBS KIDS reaches more children ages 2 to 5, more kids in low-income homes, and more moms with young children than any other children’s TV network. For every child we reach, we know there are so many more who could benefit if they had free access to our proven educational content. The Idaho PBS KIDS Channel will benefit all families, especially the nearly 70 percent of children across Idaho who are not enrolled in preschool*.” *That figure comes from the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 2017 Kids Count Data Book, which ranks Idaho last in the nation for the number of toddlers enrolled in preschool — with 69 percent not enrolled, compared with the national average of 53 percent.

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NEW! SPRING BREAK DAY CAMPS March 26 – March 30, 2018 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Ages | 6-12 Students can select from a variety of day camps designed to focus on one medium each day. Camp participants will spend time in the galleries and the studios, concentrating on one medium per day. Sign up for individual day camps or the full week!

Monday: Painting Tuesday: Drawing Wednesday: Sculpting Thursday: Printmaking Friday: Collaging

Individual Day | $35 ($40 non-members) Full Week | $160 ($190 non-members) Must register in advnace.

Visit www.boiseartmuseum.org for details.

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Idaho Family Magazine | MARCH 2018 13

AFFECTION and direction

Responsibility thrives in a positive place

By Mary Ann Wilcox

A

s parents we control the atmosphere in our home through positive instruction, communication and delegation of responsibilities. A positive atmosphere is the nourishment that develops secure, cooperative children who become responsible adults with a good work ethic and the confidence to take on the challenges of adult living. In order to provide this atmosphere, a parent needs to do the following: Allow freedom of expression: Children express their feelings in whatever way they can to get the desired results.

Because we do not listen carefully enough to their frustrations and feelings (particularly when they are little and don’t have the verbal skills to communicate), these expressions are normally negative — whining, crying, tantrums, misbehavior.

These negative reactions illicit a quick response from us, so a child learns to act negatively when he/she is frustrated.

If we want our children to express their feelings in a positive way, we need to teach them how. The best way to do this is to really listen to our children and respond to them before their frustration rises beyond their control. This allows them to express their feelings objectively. Reminding them to use their “words” and restate their responses in a more positive way is also helpful.

A child believes more of what comes out of his own mouth than what anyone else says about him. Teach your child to say good things about himself. Be a good example so he knows it’s all right. A child’s positive attitude will increase his willingness to accept responsibility.

Be a positive parent: Concentrate on the good things your children do instead of the bad. Be praiseful instead of critical. If you will concentrate on this principle alone, you will be astonished at the increase of love and cooperation in your home. But be careful that your praise does not include an add-on: “You sure did a nice job of making your bed, but you forgot to pick up your clothes.”

Show affection openly: Positive touch is one of the most discrete and effective ways to improve a child’s behavior, increase self-image, and strengthen bonds of love. Just ruffling their hair or touching a shoulder as they pass can build strong relationships with your children.

Children need to be cuddled and held a lot by their parents, especially when they are small. This helps them feel secure in relationships throughout their lives. When they are teenagers they will crave this affection from the opposite sex. For children who have a harder time accepting physical attention, you must be more persistent. Remember, the child who needs love most, rejects it.

We also show affection by the amount of quality time we spend with a child. If we respond quickly to a child’s request, 14 MARCH 2018 | Idaho Family Magazine

we show him that we are never too busy to help those we love the most. Requested time is quality time.

Direct your family: Be consistent in fulfilling your responsibilities in the home. Fulfilling family needs builds confidence and security. Greet children after school with a hug, serve meals on time, always have clean clothes available and provide an orderly home.

Provide a predictable atmosphere by setting rules that let your children know what is acceptable family behavior. Here are a few rules that help: • Keep food where it is easily cleaned up.

• The living room is set aside for cultural refinement, conversation, music, reading. Toys used in this room need to be large and easy to put away (no Legos or trains).

• Dressing and undressing should be confined to the bedroom or bathroom. Scattering clothes from one end of the house to the other is uncalled for.

• Small toys are confined to the bedroom, where they can be used in privacy and not destroyed by babies and smaller children. Toys with many small pieces are also confined to bedroom use.

For additional ideas and help, visit www.MaryAnnsCupboards.com.

WEDNESDAY’S Child Nathaniel, 13, wants to ride a horse The following information is provided by Wednesday’s Child, an organization that helps Idaho foster children find permanent homes.

Nathaniel, 13, loves the outdoors and describes his ultimate vacation as being one where he would do “lots of fishing, hunting, and hiking.” Nathaniel also enjoys playing sports, especially football, and would like to be a police officer when he grows up. According to Nathaniel, if he had his choice of where to live, it would be on a farm because he would love to learn to ride a horse.

Nathaniel’s team describes the best fit in an adoptive parent for Nathaniel as someone who is flexible and will joke around with him, spend time with him, and be playful. This sweet and deserving boy is excited and ready to be a part of a new family and a bright new future. Could your family be just the one he has been dreaming about? Find out more about Nathaniel at idahowednesdayschild.org.

For more information on the Idaho Wednesday’s Child Program, visit www.idahowednesdayschild.org, or contact Recruitment Coordinator Shawn White at swhite52@ewu.edu or 208-488-8989 if you have specific questions. www.idahofamilymagazine.com

ZOO Boise

Where the wild things are

By Kurt Orzeck

A

nimals are wild at heart, and nowhere is that more apparent than at Zoo Boise.

“There’s a lot of wildlife here in Boise, though you might not think it,” Liz Littman, Zoo Boise Assistant Superintendent at the Parks and Recreation Department, discloses during a recent tour. She notes that the zoo attracts more than 350,000 guests a year.

Founded at Julia Davis Park in 1916, and open year-‘round, the zoo spans 11 acres, with another 1.5 acres planned for this spring.

The modestly sized zoo is home to creatures from Africa, Asia, Australasia, Europe, North America and South America — which may surprise some who consider Boise to be a rather provincial city. Then again, what would a City of Trees be like without some wildlife?

The bevy of beasts — 95 species and 300 animals in total — includes giraffes, tigers, pandas, lions, penguins, giant anteaters, owls, Amazon milk frogs, hissing cockroaches, red-tailed hawks, western screech owls, bumblebee poison dart frogs and the nefariously named greater Malayan chevrotain (yeah, it looks as scary as it sounds).

Speaking of frights, Zoo Boise has had a handful of tiger attacks and maulings, some of which resulted in the animals’ euthanasia.

But the zoo survived, and in recent years, it has flourished with a wide host of offerings for families and children alike. They include birthday parties, a Mother’s Day Brunch, an overnight adventure for school groups and Scout troops — and, perhaps most charmingly, a “Zoobilee” during which guests are treated to live music, auctions, and classy drinks and food.

Recently, on February 3, the zoo commemorated its creatures

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in all their adorable, lovable furriness with a special Valentine’s Day event that included everything from face paintings to photo opportunities to a Valentine’s Day One of the fiercest animals in nature is the carnivorous card-making session. tiger. However, it is a Other events throughout the year beautiful animal that Zoo include an Easter EGGstravaganza, Boise visitors love to look Halloween Boo at the Zoo, and at. (Photo provided by summer’s Run Wild at Zoo Boise.

Zoo Boise) To boot, the zoo features an onsite gift shop loaded with plush stuffed animals, souvenir rocks, mazes for kids, rainbow stuffed snakes, and building blocks.

Oh, and there’s discount Thursdays for the frugal-minded.

Last but not least, Zoo Boise is a champion of the Zoo Boise Conservation Fund, Conservation Grants, the Boise Foothills Restoration Project, the Zamzows Garden Conservation Trail and other philanthropic endeavors.

“Our zoo naturalists are also volunteers,” The Nampa Chrissan Schools Littman boasts.

Early Childhood Center (ECC) “We’re committed offers services to infants as young to Zoo Boise’s as six weeks old through age four. conservation fund.”

SCHEDULE A TOUR TODAY! www.NampaChrissanSchools.com For more information, 208.475.1729 go to zooboise.org.

Idaho Family Magazine | MARCH 2018 15

CALENDAR Saint Al’s Signers for Babies and Toddlers

Parents may bring their babies Mondays at 10 a.m. and their toddlers Fridays at 10 a.m. to the Saint Alphonsus Family Center at 900 N. Liberty St., Ste. 204, in Boise for baby and toddler sign classes. No registration is needed, and people are welcome to join at any time. For more information, call 208367-3454.

Family Night at Idaho IceWorld

Every Wednesday, Idaho IceWorld is making you and your family a priority. From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., skating is only $5 person, and that includes admission and skate rental. Bring the kids and have fun on the ice. IceWorld is located at 7072 S. Eisenman Rd. in Boise. Go to idahoiceworld.com for more information.

Idaho IceWorld Wee Ones program

This program for kids ages 2-3 allows the little ones to learn how fun it can be on ice. Focus will be on safety and how to stand and fall correctly while playing games and learning the fundamentals of skating. No parental participation on the ice is required. The program is only offered on Thursdays at 9:55 a.m. For costs and other information, go to idahiceworld.com or call 208608-7716.

Friday Teen Night

Fort Boise Community Center holds Friday Teen Night for youth in grades 7-12 (bring student ID), from 7 to 10:30 p.m. The teens are surpervised by Boise Parks and Recreation staff and are invited to come enjoy time with friends; play pool, ping pong, air hockey and other games; and enjoy a pottery lab. For more information, contact Barbara English at benglish@cityofboise.org or 208-854-6652.

Dancing for Birth

This class involves positive affirmations and easy dance moves that an expectant mom can use in labor — all in a welcoming atmosphere.

Participants will experience the benefits that dance offers through pregnancy, birth and postpartum recovery. Babies in carriers are also welcome.

Dancing for Birth allows moms to be part of a community of pregnant and new moms; helps facilitate fetal wellness, birth and awareness; and helps moms bond with their newborns while getting back in shape. New programs will be held from 11 a.m. to noon March 3-17 and April 7-28 at the Fort Boise Community Center, 700 Robbins Rd. For costs and other information, call Boise Parks & Rec at 208-608-7680 or go to parks.cityofboise.org.

Ada County Library Activities

Ada County Library branches feature a number of family- and youth-friendly programs. Following is a brief list of events for March and early April.

Hidden Springs Branch Library, www.adalib. org/hiddensprings, 208-229-2665 March 5, 4 p.m., Idaho Day Celebration / Laura Ingalls Wilder party, ages 3-12 Lake Hazel Branch Library, www.adalib.org/ lakehazel, 208-297-6700

• March 7, 6:30 p.m., Freedom Quilt, topic is Underground Railroad quilt squares, materials provided, all ages • March 17, 6 p.m., Capture the Flag AfterHours Party, play glow-in-the-dark Capture the Flag while the library is closed, ages 12-18 • March 28, 4:30 p.m., Unicorn Party, unicornthemed snacks, games and more, ages 8-11 • April 18, 6:30 p.m., Coding with Kids, a special night of coding practice, kids ages 8 and up with an accompanying adult Star Branch Library, www.adalib.org/star, 208-286-9755 • March 7, 4:30 p.m., Navigating by the Stars, Amy Truksa with the College of Idaho Planetarium and Phillip Thompson of the Idaho Black History Museum will be exploring how escaped slaves would navigate their way to freedom, all ages • March 17, 1 p.m., History of Buttons, see buttons that were worn on clothing from the 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st centuries, enjoy button-related activities, all ages Victory Branch Library, www.adalib.org/ victory, 208-362-0181 • March 10, 2 p.m., Agricultural Fun Fair, will feature a petting zoo and miniature tractor display, as well as agricultural topics like gardening, composting, beekeeping and farming, also gardening crafts and free seeds, all ages • March 31, 1 p.m., Peter Rabbit Tea Party, bunny crafts, hopping games, and treats, all ages • April 7, 11:15 a.m., Yoga for Kids, a 4-session yoga series for kids ages 4-10

Family Programs at Nampa Public Library

Nampa Public Library will offer a number of family- and kid-friendly programs throughout March as follows: • Baby/Toddler Storytime beginning at 10:15 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, March 6-29 • Preschool Storytime beginning at 10:15 a.m.

Wednesdays and Fridays, March 7-28 • The Club (for young people), 2:30 p.m.

Wednesdays, March 7 and March 21 • Tween program, 4 p.m. Thursday, March 8 • Family program featuring 2-time Newbery honor-winning author Dr. Gary D. Schmidt, lecture and book-signing 4-6 p.m., Friday, March 9 • Sensory Storytime, 4:15 p.m. Mondays, March 12 and March 16 • Bilingual Storytime, 10:15 a.m. Monday, March 12, and 2:15 p.m. Saturday, March 17 • Robot Club, 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 14 • Petco animal visit, 4 p.m. Thursday, March 15 • Right on Target, 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 17 • Teen Movie Night, 4:30 p.m. Thursday, March 22 • Groovin’ N Movin’, 10:15 a.m. Monday, March 26

16 MARCH 2018 | Idaho Family Magazine

• The Lego Club, 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 27 • Babby Farms exotic animal visit, 4 p.m.

Wednesday, March 28 For more information, go to nampalibrary.org.

Hungry Hungry Teens

Teens, do you want to learn to cook? Come to the Cherry Lane branch of the Meridian Library District from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 7, and learn tips and tricks for preparing easy and inexpensive recipes. This is a hands-on workshop, and participants will be able to taste what they make. For more information, contact Jenny at jliebig@mld.org or 208-888-4451.

“The Light Behind Illumicone”

A program titled “The Light Behind Illumicone” will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 7, at Inspire Studio on the fourth floor of JUMP in downtown Boise. Illumicone is light art driven by group participation. From design and construction to the light patterns created through interaction with its electromechanical widgets, this presentation reveals how Illumicone was conceived, built and how it turned widget movement into a dazzling spectacle of light and color that surrounds the participants beneath it. The program is for ages 18 and up. Tickets are $10; go to https://www. eventbrite.com/e/the-light-behind-illumiconeregistration-41497785995 for more information.

Flavorful Fairytales: “Beautiful Bananas”

This program is set to begin at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, March 8, at JUMP in downtown Boise. The program will start with a short story titled “Beautiful Bananas,” followed by a crafty bananathemed activity. There will also be a hands-on kitchen experience around banana roll-up snacks.

All ages are welcome with a parent. Go to http:// jumpboise.org/class-listings. (Registration ends March 6, so don’t delay.)

“All Shook Up”

“All Shook Up,” inspired by and featuring the songs of Elvis Presley, will be performed at 7:30 p.m. March 8-10, with a special matinee at 2 p.m.

March 10, at the Nampa Civic Center, 311 3rd St. S. Tickets are available at www.ictickets.com or by calling 208-442-3232. The storyline for this musical features a mysterious, leather-jacketed stranger who shakes up a small Midwestern town in the 1950s, complete with Elvis songs audience members will recognize. Go to nampaciviccenter.com for more information.

Stroller Safari

This Zoo Boise offering is for parents and their children ages 2 and under. Bring walking shoes and cameras for an exclusive guided experience through the zoo. Learn about the wonders of wildlife through up-close animal encounters and activities.

Stroller Safari will be held from 10 to 10:30 a.m.

March 8, 15 and 22. There is a maximum of 2 children per enrolled adult. For everyone’s safety and enjoyment, unregistered children (including siblings) may not attend. Minimum participants 10,

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of Events maximum 16. Price includes Zoo Boise admission for the day. For more fee information and to preregister (required), go to zooboise.org.

Fun with Math & Science – Kindergarten All-Stars

Join the Cherry Lane branch of the Meridian Library District from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, March 9, for a free workshop for families interested in exploring coding through fun, handson stations. Children are natural explorers, and there are lots of things parents can do to help them build science and math skills. Along with the hands-on stations, there will be information for parents, caregivers and children. Every family will receive a science experiment book to keep. The program is recommended for kids ages 4-6, and siblings are welcome. For more information, go to https://www.mld.org/fun-math-and-sciencekindergarten-all-stars.

Greenleaf Friends Academy Quaker Village Auction

The 67th Annual Quaker Village Auction at Greenleaf Friends Academy, 20565 Academy Rd. in Greenleaf, is set for March 9-10. The annual auction helps the school bridge the gap between

Month of March

Please send family-related calendar items to editorgaye@gmail.com

tuition revenue and yearly operating expenses, helping keep tuition low. Proceeds also go toward scholarships and other school-related programs and needs. For more information, go to gfaschools. org or call 208-459-6346.

“Willy Wonka Jr.”

Treasure Valley Children’s Theater, the Meridian Arts Commission, Mountain America Credit Union, and The Village at Meridian will present performances of Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka Jr.” at the Meridian Middle School Auditorium, 1507 W. 8th St., at 7 p.m. Friday, March 9, and at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, March 10. General admission tickets are $8 for adults 19 and up, $6 for youth 3-18, and free for younger children.

Tickets will be available at the door or online at treasurevalleychildrenstheater.com.

Build a Blinged-Out Birdhouse

This activity for kids ages 8 and up with a parent is set for 10:15 a.m. Saturday, March 10, at JUMP. Participants will assemble a bird house and customize it with many different options from reclaimed wood to tin roofs and custom paint. The program is for kids ages 8 and up with a parent.

Go to http://jumpboise.org/class-listings for registration and other information.

Marvelous Meridian Playdate

Children and adults are welcome to come to the Marvelous Meridian Playdate from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 10, at the Cherry Lane branch of the Meridian Library District. There will be fun games and activities that delight young children and help them achieve early literacy skills.

For more information, contact Laura Abbott at labbott@mld.org or 208-888-4451.

Family Crafternoons

The whole family (children, teens, adults and seniors) is invited to the Children’s Conference Room at Meridian Library District’s Cherry Lane branch to cut, glue, design and create from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 10. The library has craft supplies; just bring your imagination to make something clever. For more information, contact Sirrah at selliott@mld.org or 208-888-4451.

Spring Sports Madness for Moms and Sons

Nampa Recreation Center will hold is 5th Annual Spring Sports Madness for Moms and Sons ages 3-13 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 10. There will be fun games, basketball, dodgeball, pizza, a photo booth, and more. Cost is $8 for members and $10 for non-members.

Go to nampaparksandrecreation.org for more

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Idaho Family Magazine | MARCH 2018 17

CALENDAR of Events

information.

Family Storytime

The Library! at Hillcrest holds a storytime for all family members, with rhymes, music and games for all ages. The focus is on literacy skills. Bring the family to the library branch on Overland from 12:30 to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 10. This is an ongoing program that is scheduled for other times at the library as well. Go to boisepubliclibrary.org.

Foothills Family Days

The Jim Hall Foothills Learning Center on Sunset Peak Road in Boise hosts family days on the second Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; March 10 will be Birds of Prey Day. Families are welcome to come get a closeup view of a bird of prey, discover their wingspan equivalent, and dress up like an owl. Guided birding hikes will start every hour with local experts, and Idaho Bird Observatory’s Heidi Ware will be on hand to talk about bird banding. There will also be crafts and owl pellet dissection. The program is free. Go to bee.cityofboise.org for more information.

Thru-Hiking on the Pacific Crest Trail

In 2010, Anne O’Regan backpacked from Campo, Calif., 2,650 miles north on the Pacific Crest Trail. Traveling through California, Oregon and Washington, she completed her thru-hike five months later in Manning Park, Canada. Come to the Library! at Cole & Ustick from 2 to 3:15 p.m.

Sunday, March 11, and hear her share tales from the trail and offer a unique visual presentation gleaned from more than 3,000 photographs taken along the way.

Storytime for the Kid at Heart

Come feel like a kid again, hear a new or classic children’s story, and then create a fun and easy craft from 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 13, at the Library! at Hillcrest. All ages are welcome.

State Cheer Championships

The State Cheer Championships will be held March 16-17 at Ford Idaho Center in Nampa.

For more information as it becomes available, go to http://www.fordidahocenter.com/events/statecheer-championships.

Sports Card Show

The Sports Card Show will be held this year from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 17, at Wyndham Hotel, 3300 Vista Ave. in Boise.

This is a free event for interested people of all ages, and for families. Join fellow enthusiasts in exploring multiple tables filled with sports cards, entertainment cards, memorabilia and collectibles.

Flip through the newest cards in the hobby and also discover the vintage cards and items available.

YMCA St. Patrick’s Day Fun Run

The YMCA St. Patrick’s Day Fun Run for all ages is set to begin at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 17, at the Julia Davis Park band shell. There will be a Leprechaun Loop, a 5K course, and a 5-mile course. Awards will be given to the five bestdressed leprechauns and “green runners.” Postrace munchies will be provided by the Treasure

cont.

Valley Dietitians. For more information, or to register, go to ymcatvidaho.org.

Amazing Animal Encounter

Join Babby Farms, local 4-H kids, and the Idaho Humane Society during the March 17 Watershed Weekend Program. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., individuals and families may come meet some local pets up for adoption, say hello to a bearcat, and learn what a cavy is. The monthly program is free. For more information, go to www.

BoiseEnvironmentalEducation.org.

2018 Food Truck Rally Goes to the Dogs

This annual event held to raise money for Nampa’s dog parks is set for 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 17, at Lloyd Park Square in downtown Nampa.

Admission to the event is free; food and drinks will be available for purchase. For more information, visit nampaparks.org or call 208-468-5858.

“Mr. Popper’s Penguins”

“Mr. Popper’s Penguins,” recommended for ages 4 and up, will be performed at the Morrison Center at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 17. This musical is highlighted by original songs and performing penguin puppets. For tickets and other information, go to http://www.morrisoncenter. com/events/detail/mr-poppers-penguins.

8th Annual Ft. Boise Highland Games & 5K Fell Race

This free public event is set for 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday, March 17, at Old Fort Boise Park in Parma. Along with the adult Highland Games, there will be a Kilted 5K Run, and free kids’ Highland Games. There will also be Scottish and Irish dancers, bagpipers, clan tents, food and craft vendors. Find out more about the event on Facebook.

Shamrock Shuffle 2018

This St. Patrick’s Day half-marathon, 10K, 5K, run or walk, will start and end at Indian Creek Winery in Kuna on March 17. St. Patrick’s Day-inspired costumes are encouraged. For more information, go to theshamrockshuffle.net.

Volunteer Opportunities – Mining and Geology Museum

If you love rocks, minerals and Idaho mining history, you’ll “dig” the Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology, 2455 Old Penitentiary Rd. in east Boise. The museum is seeking enthusiastic and friendly volunteers to help with tasks at the museum. To learn more, attend a meeting at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 18, at the museum. For more information, go to www.idahomuseum.org or call Annemarie at 208-866-6386.

Family Movie Mania

Families are welcome at the Cherry Lane branch of the Meridian Library District for viewing a family-safe movie, creating a fun craft, and eating a yummy snack on Monday, March 19. Crafts start at 5:30 p.m., and the movie begins at 6 p.m. Go to mld.org for more information.

18 MARCH 2018 | Idaho Family Magazine

Garden Green-Up for Youth

Preschoolers will get the chance to learn and explore what’s about to happen in the garden in the months ahead at a program from 9 a.m. to noon March 20-22 at Boise Urban Garden School, 2995 N. Five Mile Rd. The three-day program will use a combination of exploration, crafts and stories to instruct children on what exactly happens to the plants over the winter and how the garden will transform over the spring months. Cost is $52.50. For more information, go to bee.cityofboise.org, call 208-376-3006, or email bugs@cityofboise.org.

Treefort Music Fest

This 5-day festival of music will take place March 21-25 at various venues throughout downtown Boise. Ticket information is available at https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/treefort-music-fest-2018tickets.

Boise Flower & Garden Show

The 22nd Annual Boise Flower & Garden Show is set for March 23-25 at Boise Centre, 850 W. Front St. downtown. The show will be highlighted by information and items for landscape design, garden art and decor, yard furniture, plants, decks, greenhouses and more. There will also be display gardens to look at, educational gardening seminars, orchid and bonsai displays, and a silent auction of container gardens and more. Admission is $8 for adults, $3 for youth 12-17, and free for kids 12 and under.

Easter EGGstravaganza

Zoo Boise will host its annual Easter EGGstravaganza from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 24. (Last admission: 4:30.) Join the Easter Bunny for “egg-citing” activities, including egg scrambles for 30,000 pieces of candy, plus activities like face painting and special enrichments for the animals. For more information, go to zooboise.org.

Amsoil Arenacross

This “motocross” event is set for the weekend of March 24 at Ford Idaho Center. For more information, go to http://www.fordidahocenter. com/events/amsoil-arenacross.

Mining and Geology Museum Opening Weekend

The Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology on Old Penitentiary Road in Boise will open for the season from noon to 5 p.m. March 24-25. People will be allowed to visit the museum for free on those days. The museum has been newly updated with interesting displays, including a fossil of a buzzsaw shark that lived in Idaho millions of years ago and a world-class meteorite exhibit that includes a specimen from Mars. There will also be interactive activities both days, as well as a 1-hour lecture at 1 p.m. each day. For more information, go to www.idahomuseum.org, email www.contact. us@idahomuseum.org or call 208-368-9876.

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Month of March

Please send family-related calendar items to editorgaye@gmail.com

Amusement Park Island

Kids ages 7-14 are invited to create thrill rides, such as Roller Coaster Cliff, Zipline Zone, and Spinning Waters, from 2 to 3 p.m. March 26-29 at the Nampa Rec Center. For more information, go to nampaparksandrecreation.org.

Spring Break at Eagle Library

Eagle Public Library will hold programs for children during spring break March 26-30.

Topics to be presented from 2 to 3 p.m. each day that week include: March 26, “World of Color”; March 27, “Spring Bing-o Taste the Rainbow”; March 28, “Color Your Clothes”; March 29, “Blowing in the Wind”; and March 30, “LifeSize Candy Land.” Also, a program of “Easter Fun” will be held from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 27. For more information, go to libcal. eaglepubliclibrary.org.

Catapult Entertainment

Caldwell Fine Arts will present Catapult Entertainment at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 27, at Jewett Auditorium. Catapult uses shadows, silhouettes and dance to wow its audiences.

Dancers perform behind a screen, with musical accompaniment, using only their bodies and simple props for their unique brand of storytelling. For tickets or other information, go to caldwellfinearts.org.

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Eater Egg Swim & Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt

Nampa Rec Center’s Easter Egg Swim for children ages 3-12 will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 31. Come find eggs in the center’s swimming pools. In the evening on the same day, beginning at 8 p.m., young people ages 13-17 are invited to search for Easter eggs in the dark with a flashlight. Cost is $3 per person. For more information, go to nampaparksandrecreation.org.

Easter Spring Fling Extravaganza

The Easter Spring Fling Extravaganza will be held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 31, at Expo Idaho. There will be an egg hunt, door prizes, inflatables, vendors, a scavenger hunt, and an appearance by the Easter Bunny. All ages are welcome, and admission is free. Go to expoidaho. com for more information.

“Titanic, the Musical”

Music Theatre of Idaho will present “Titanic, the Musical” at 7:30 p.m. April 5-7, with a 1:30 p.m. matinee on April 7, at the Nampa Civic Center.

The fact that the finest, largest, strongest ship in the world — called, in fact, the “unsinkable” ship — should have been lost during its maiden voyage is so incredible that, had it not actually happened, no author would have dared to contrive it. “Titanic, the Musical” is a contemporary

musical, with a brilliant and memorable score which examines the causes, the conditions and the characters involved in this ever-fascinating drama.

Tickets are available at mtionline.org.

Zoo Boise Kid Night

Kids ages 7-12 may participate in Zoo Boise Kid Night from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, April 14. Learn how Zoo Boise cares for nocturnal animals, try your hand at nighttime survival skills games, and enjoy a snack out under the stars while observing the animals at Zoo Boise. Cost is $20 members and $25 non-members.

BCT Children’s Reading Series

The Children’s Reading Series at Boise Contemporary Theater will feature the story “Slap! A Beaver Tale” at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 22.

This is a story about family, nature, building walls and tearing them down — and, of course, beaver tails. All stories in the series are recommended for ages 6 and up. Cost is $12 for adults and $8 for children. Cookies and milk are served with each performance. Tickets are available at bctheater.org or by calling the BCT Box Office at 208-331-9224.

Idaho Family Magazine | MARCH 2018 19

Early Learning, Preschool and Child Care GUIDE The following preschools and child care facilities are listed by zip code.

BOISE 83702 A Bright Child Preschool & Daycare 1819 N. 18th St., Boise 83702 336-7228 abrightchild.com Another World Preschool 2200 W. Sunset Ave., Boise 83702 343-1633 Booth Memorial Day Care 1617 N. 24th St., Boise 83702 854-6830 Boise Bears Child Care Center 1803 N. 9th St., Boise 83702 343-3817 boisebearschildcare.weebly.com Boise River Montessori 2211 N. 26th St., Boise 83702 344-6303 boiserivermontessori.com Cathy’s Day Care 859 N. 29th St., Boise 83702 336-1295 Children’s School of Boise 1015 N. 8th St., Boise 83702 343-6840 tcsboise.org Children’s Village 950 W. State St., Boise 83702 345-6408 Cooperative Preschool Two sites on North Latah Street in Boise 703-3823 or 342-7479 cooperativepreschool.org Foothills School of Arts and Science 618 S. 8th St., Boise 83702 331-9260 foothillsschool.org Giraffe Laugh Early Learning Center 9th St., Boise – 342-1239 12th St., Boise – 424-3387 State St., Boise – 954-5465 giraffelaugh.org Kids Are Special People 717 N. 11th St., Boise 83702 343-8441 kidsarespecialpeople.com Little Luke’s 381-4670 R House Child Care 2185 W. Hill Rd., Boise 83702 343-8188

Ready Set Go Preschool 950 W. State St., Boise 83702 672-8015 Treasure Valley Family YMCA 1050 W. State St., Boise 83702 344-5502 ymcatvidaho.org Twenty First Street Preschool & Childcare 1601 N. 21st St., Boise 83702 345-9167 Wesleyan Preschool 717 N. 11th St., Boise 83702 343-3778 wesleyanpreschoolboise.com

83703 Building Blocks 284-2444 idahobrix.com Challenger Schools 5551 W. Bloom St., Boise 83703 338-9500 challengerschool.com Faye’s Family Daycare 1904 N. 28th St., Boise 83703 345-4641 Gem State Gymnastics Academy 5420 W. State St., Boise 83703 853-3220 gemstategymnastics.com Hillside Academy 3900 Hill Rd., Boise 83703 343-8919 hillsideacademy.net

83704 Alpha Omega Day Care Center 7012 Folk Dr., Boise 83704 322-0087 Camelot Castle Learning Center 10415 Excalibur Ave., Boise 83704 375-5018 Children’s House 1218 N. Hartman St., Boise 83704 322-1124 Gale Day Care Center 2306 N. Liberty St., Boise 83704 375-2930 Hillview Preschool 8525 W. Ustick Rd., Boise 83704 377-9280 hillviewpreschoolboise.org Kids Zone Daycare & Preschool 7119 Ustick Rd., Boise 83704 377-3556 Little Lambs Learning Center 3000 N. Esquire Dr., Boise 83704 375-4841 Northview Montessori Preschool & Accelerated Kindergarten 7670 W. Northview St., Boise 83704 322-0152 northviewmontessori.com Salina’s Sunshine 6304 W. Butte St., Boise 83704 321-9401 SandCastles Children’s Learning Center 3214 Acre Lane, Boise 83704 376-7846

Just For Kids 1507 N. 28th St., Boise 83703 854-5482

St. Alphonsus Child Care Center 6520 Norwood Dr., Boise 83704 367-5164

Learning Tree School & Daycare Center 2908 N. 28th St., Boise 83703 342-7821

Today’s Child 9045 W. Irving St., Boise 83704 322-1077

Little Creations Preschool 3614 N. Market Lane, Boise 83703 853-9850 Shepherds Fold Day Care Center 2620 N. 36th St., Boise 83703 342-9141 Walgamott Child Care 3019 N. 28th St., Boise 83703 343-9658

83705 All Saints Children’s Center 704 S. Latah, Boise 83705 387-0779 Bodies In Motion 729 W. Diamond St., Boise 83705 381-0587 bodiesinmotionidaho.com Creative Children’s Center 419 S. Orchard St., Boise 83705 344-8221 creativechildrensctr.com

20 MARCH 2018 | Idaho Family Magazine

Friends of Children & Families, Inc. Head Start & Early Head Start 4709 W. Camas St., Boise 83705; 344-9187 2273 S. Vista Ave. #160; 433-9078 focaf.org Great Beginnings Preschool 715 S. Latah St., Boise 83705 336-3838 greatbeginningschildcare.com Hugs Child Development Center 4812 W. Franklin, Boise 83705 367-9111 Kidz Connection Montessori Preschool-Childcare 2310 S. Columbus St., Boise 83705 384-1191 kidzconnection.org Kootenai Kids Preschool 4802 W. Kootenai St., Boise 83705 424-5055 k2preschool.com Lee Pesky Learning Center 3324 Elder St., Boise 83705 333-0008 lplearningcenter.org Puentes Spanish Preschool 1605 S. Phillippi, Boise 83705 344-4270 puentes.biz Rose Hill Montessori School 4603 Albion St., Boise 83705 385-7674 rosehillmontessori.com Sacred Heart School & Kindergarten 3901 Cassia St., Boise 83705 344-9738 sacredheartboise.com Speech Spot LLC Children’s Speech Therapy 514-9243 boisespeechspot.com Vista Montessori School 2096 Gourley St., Boise 83705 343-0201 vistamontessori.net

83706 Beginning Years Childhood Learning Center 2981 E. Boise Ave., Boise 83706 338-0000 beginningyearscc.com

Boise 83706 871-3524 thebluebirdpreschool.com Boise Basque Language Immersion Preschool 1955 Broadway Ave., Boise 83706 343-4234 boisekoikastola.org Boise Cooperative Preschool 300 N. Latah St., Boise 83706 703-3823 boisecooperativepreschool.org Boise State University Children’s Center 1830 W. Beacon St., Boise 83706 426-4404 childrenscenter.boisestate.edu Carden Preschool & Day Care 2211 S. Sumac St., Boise 83706 344-3336 Cozy Cottage Learning Center 507 W. Williams St., Boise 83706 649-4010 cozycottageboise.com Garabatos Spanish Preschool 1403 W. Boise Ave., Boise 83706 336-1552 boisegarabatos.com Granny’s Infant Care 4819 Corporal St., Boise 83706 345-2850 Kid’s Choice Child Care Center 2170 S. Broadway Ave., Boise 83706 343-7550 mykidschoice.com Lakewood Montessori 133 E. Linden St., Boise 83706 331-3888 lakewood-montessori.com Mama Jo’s 3491 S. Williamsburg Way, Boise 83706 336-1417 New Horizon Academy 155 E. Boise Ave., Boise 83706 386-9108 newhorizonacademy.net Parkcenter Montessori 649 E. Parkcenter Blvd., Boise 83706 344-0004 boisemontessori.com

Bluebird Preschool, The 709 E. Riverpark Lane, Suite 150,

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South Boise Child Care Center 805 1/2 Richmond St., Boise 83706 333-0550 southboisechildcare.com

83709 All God’s Children Childcare 3838 S. Cole Rd., Boise 83709 362-0865 allgodschildrenchildcare.org Amity Community Preschool 11950 W. Amity Rd., Boise 83709 562-0931 At Grandma’s Child Care 1408 S. Oak Lawn Dr., Boise 83709 713-3845 Bohrn To Achieve Childcare & Preschool 2555 S. Five Mile Rd., Boise 83709 672-0101 bohrntoachieve.com Calvary Christian School 111 S. Auto Dr., Boise 83709 376-0260 ccsboise.org

Cloverdale Christian Day School 3755 S. Cloverdale Rd., Boise 83709 362-1702 cloverdalechurch.org Club Kid at Wings Center 1875 Century Way, Boise 83709 376-3641 wingscenter.com/child-care Five Mile Montessori 1439 S. Weideman Ave., Boise 83709 322-8981 fivemilemontessori.net Maryann’s Place 10525 W. La Honton Dr., Boise 83709 323-9668 Montessori Garden School / Caspari Montessori 9626 W. Victory, Boise 83709 562-1420 caspari-montessori.com/montessorigarden-school

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Mothers Choice Child Care 1604 Penninger Dr., Boise 83709 375-4640 Overland Montessori 1461 S. Weideman Ave., Boise 83709 322-9092 overlandmontessori.com Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Preschool 3100 S. Five Mile Rd., Boise 83709 362-1112 preschool.sov-id.org Spunky Monkey Preschool 12117 W. Keates Dr., Boise 83709 323-8066 spunkymonkeypreschool.com Super Kids Day Care 3989 Black Hills Ave., Boise 83709 362-1246 super-kidsdaycare.com Tiny Treasures 7509 W. Camas St. Boise 83709 323-1174

83712 Music Lingua Foreign Language for Kids Boise 83712 571-1713 musiclingua.com Parkside School 1017 E. Park Blvd., Boise 83712 283-2777 parksideschoolboise.com

83713 Adventure Zone CDC 5630 N. Cloverdale Rd., Boise 83713 938-1028 Boise Valley Adventist School 925 N. Cloverdale Rd., Boise 83713 376-7141 bvas.adventistnw.org Born To Succeed Preschool & Childcare 4770 N. Shamrock Ave., Boise 83713 658-5561 myborntosucceed.com

Cloverdale Montessori 12255 W. Goldenrod Ave., Boise 83713 322-1200 cloverdalemontessorischool.com Cross of Christ Preschool 11655 W. McMillan Rd., Boise 83713 375-3992 cocboise.org/preschool Deb’s Childcare and Preschool 12118 W. Mesquite Dr., Boise 83713 602-2842 debschildcare.webs.com Kidlink Learning Center 13013 W. Persimmon Lane, Boise 83713 331-4575 kidlinklc.com Kindermusik 12516 W. Fairview Ave., Boise 83713 861-6056 MusicCenterStudios.com

Idaho Family Magazine | MARCH 2018 21

Early Learning, Preschool and Child Care GUIDE The following preschools and child care facilities are listed by zip code.

Little Tigers Child Care Center 11911 W. Ustick Rd., Boise 83713 323-7885 llittletigerschildcarepreschool.com Marantha Christian School 12000 W. Fairview Ave., Boise 83713 376-7272 New Horizon Academy 11978 W. Ustick Rd., Boise 83713 323-8900 newhorizonacademy.net Rainbow Learning Center 3525 N. Cloverdale Rd., Boise 83713 323-7628 Terri Hill’s Day Care 4251 Oxbow Way, Boise 83713 377-4434 Tumble Time Gymnastics 1379 N. Cloverdale Rd., Boise 83713 375-0063 tumbletimegymnastics.com

83714 Early Learning Children’s Center 7064 W. State St., Boise 83714 853-2800 earlylearningcc.com Kids Kampus Learning Center 8707 W. State St., Boise 83714 853-4247 boisekidskampus.com Massie’s Day Care Center 10000 W. Prairie Rd., Boise, 83714 939-2240 New Horizon Academy 12692 W. LaSalle St., Garden City 83714 376-2690 newhorizonacademy.net Ol’ McDonald’s Montessori 5890 N. Gary Ln., Boise 83714 853-2163 olmcdonalds.com

CALDWELL 83605 Alice’s Day Care 10741 US-20, Caldwell 83605 459-4160 Caldwell Adventist Elementary School 2317 Wisconsin Ave., Caldwell 83605 459-4313 caldwelladventistelementary. netadvent.org Calvary Kids of Caldwell 911 Everett St., Caldwell 83605 454-5136 calvarycaldwell.com Centennial Baptist School 3610 E. Ustick Rd., Caldwell 83605 454-1997 centennialbaptistministries.org/school Grace Lutheran Preschool 2700 S. Kimball Ave., Caldwell 83605 459-4191 gracelutherancaldwell.org Heritage Community Charter School 1803 E. Ustick Rd., Caldwell 83605 453-8070 heritagecommunitycharter.com Karla’s Day Care Center 522 N. 9th Ave., Caldwell 83605 459-0111 Kemp’s Day Care Center 2501 Lincoln St., Caldwell 83605 454-2899 Lil’ Da Vinci Academy – Preschool with Imagination 19652 Commonwealth Ave., Caldwell 83605 709-1415 lildavinciacademy.weebly.com Little People Learning Center 1310 Arthur St., Caldwell 83605 454-5652 Little Picasso Preschool 1123 Blaine St., Caldwell 83605 459-7735

Pierce Park Academy 5008 N. Pierce Park Ln., Boise 83714 853-5412

Marble Front Head Start Center 20594 Ward Lane, Caldwell 83605 459-7010 wicap.org/marblefronths.aspx

Vineyard Christian Academy 4950 N. Bradley, Boise 83714 407-8197 vineyardchristianacademy.org

Sacajawea Guided Discovery 1710 N. Illinois Ave., Caldwell 83605 344-5502, ext. 436

Turner Center-Family Development 406 S. 14th Ave., Caldwell 83605 454-1324

EAGLE 83616 Cornerstone Children’s Center 1155 Ballantyne Lane, Eagle 83616 938-1368 Eagle Adventist Christian Preschool 538 W. State St., Eagle 83616 939-5544 eagleadventistchristian.com Eagle Christian Preschool 1107 E. Iron Eagle Dr., Eagle 83616 939-2272 eaglechristianpreschool.com Eagle Early Learning Center 223 N. Eagle Rd. #100, Eagle 83616 938-3344 eagleelc.com Eagle Wings Preschool 651 N. Eagle Rd., Eagle 83616 939-1351 eagleumc.com/eagles-wings-school Hope Lutheran Preschool 331 N. Linder Rd., Eagle 83616 939-9181 hopeeaglepreschool.org Mind & Motion Learning Center 875 E. Plaza Dr. #103, Eagle 83616 939-9937 Montessori Academy 1400 N. Park Ln., Eagle 83616 939-6333 boisemontessori.com Polaris Learning Center 1323 E. Iron Eagle Dr., Eagle 83616 939-9830 polarislearning.net Seven Oaks Guided Discovery 1441 S. Seven Oaks Way, Eagle 83616 344-5502, ext. 436 ymcatvidaho.org

895-6789 Advanced Therapy Care 68 S. Baltic Place, Meridian 83642 898-0988 advancedtherapycare.com Advantage Early Learning Centers 3677 E. Copper Point Way, Meridian 83642 391-2200 advantageelc.com

New Way Montessori School 1797 S. Millennium Way, Meridian 83642 288-1990 Pine Creek Montessori 3774 W. Pine Creek Ct., Meridian 83642 893-5437

Candyland Day Care II 1717 Krestmone Rd., Meridian 83642 887-6041

Ponderosa Guided Discovery Inclusion Preschool 2950 N. Naomi Ave., Meridian 3646 344-5502 ext. 244

Children’s Unique Style 1915 W. Cherry Lane, Meridian 83642 888-7228

Smaller Scholar Montessori School 828 W. Cherry Lane, Meridian 83642 888-6881

Cole Valley Christian Schools 200 E. Carlton Ave., Meridian 83642 947-1212 colevalleychristian.org

Sunshine Academy 737 N. Linder Rd., Meridian 83642 288-1007

Discovery Guided Discovery Inclusion Preschool 2100 E. Leighfield Drive, Meridian 83646 344-5502, ext. 436 Dreamland Education Center 875 W. Franklin Rd., Meridian 83642 288-2282 dreamlandchildcarecenters.com Healthy Beginnings Childcare 444 N. Linder Rd., Meridian 83642 887-0001 Idaho Learning Center 2150 W. Cherry Ln., Meridian 83642 893-5130 idaholearningcenter.org Kids Connect Preschool 68 S. Baltic Place, Meridian 83642 898-0988 advancedtherapycare.com

MERIDIAN 83642

Melissa’s All Star Preschool 4703 W. Big Creek St., Meridian 83642 240-0296

A Child’s Choice Montessori School 1797 S. Millennium Way, Meridian 83642 870-1144 achildschoicemontessori.com

Meridian Montessori Preschool & Kindergarten Meridian 83642 888-6810 meridian-montessori.com

ABC Club Daycare & Learning Center 650 W. Broadway Ave., Meridian 83642

Nature’s Childcare 2135 S. Cobalt Point Way, Meridian 83642

22 MARCH 2018 | Idaho Family Magazine

884-3833 natureschildcare.com

Ten Mile Christian Preschool 3500 W. Franklin Rd., Meridian 83642 888-3101 tenmilecc.com Ten Mile Community Church Day Care Center 4440 E. Columbia Rd., Meridian 83642 362-4602 tenmilechurch.org The Learning Launch Pad Preschool Ten Mile/Cherry Lane, Meridian 83642 351-2838 launchpadps.blogspot.com Tiggeriffic Preschool & Daycare 1302 N. Main St., Meridian 83642 994-3305

83646 A Step Ahead Preschool and Childcare 3348 N. Meridian Rd., Meridian 83646 473-2420 astepaheadpreschoolidaho.com Ambrose School, The Chinden & Locust Grove, Meridian 83646 323-3888 theambroseschool.org Anchored Beginnings Preschool 4549 W. Quaker Ridge St., Meridian 83646 898-0664

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Bearly Grown Child Care Center 3605 N. Locust Grove Rd., Meridian 83646 898-9700 bearlygrownchildcare.com Challenger Schools 2020 W. Everest Lane, Meridian 83646 846-8888 challengerschool.com Dreamland Education Center 2501 N. Stokesberry Place, Meridian 83646 288-2205 dreamlandchildcarecenters.com Friendship Celebration Preschool 765 E. Children Blvd., Meridian 83646 288-2404 friendshipcelebration.org Happy Home Day Care Center 1933 NW 12th St., Meridian 83646 888-5717 Kid’s Choice Meridian 2210 W. Everest Lane, Meridian 83646

W

888-7540 mykidschoice.com King’s Kids Preschool & Kindergarten 50 W. Spicewood Dr., Meridian 83646 887-0801 New Horizon Academy 1830 N. Meridian Rd., Meridian 83646 887-3880 newhorizonacademy.net

NAMPA 83651 ABC Country 432 Caldwell Blvd., Nampa 83651 461-3055 Apple Core Preschool 719 17th Ave. S., Nampa 83651 442-0035 Calvary Christian School A.C.E. 1210 N. Middleton Rd., Nampa 83651 467-9114 ccsnampa.org

Creative Child Preschool 150 Delaware Ave., Nampa 83651 467-3652 Happy Days Child Care Center 215 N. Bonner Dr., Nampa 83651 466-0156 Kids Korner Child Care Center 412 18th Ave. S., Nampa 83651 467-3533 Nampa Christian Schools nampachristianschools.com Nampa Montessori Preschool 312 N. Canyon St., Nampa 83651 465-6179 nampamontessori.com Playful Child 420 17th Ave. S., Nampa 83651 466-1858 St. Paul’s Catholic School 1515 8th St. S., Nampa 83651 467-3601 nampacatholic.school Taffy’s House 212 21st Ave. S., Nampa 83651 467-5975

Wesleyan

Teaching World 222 3rd Ave. S., Nampa 83651 465-5437 idteachingworld.com Tiny Tot Hotel Day Care Center 131 Smith Ave., Nampa 83651 467-4769

83686 ABC’s & 123’s Child Development Center 919 S. Diamond St., Nampa 83686 468-4999 Cowpoke Country Daycare 1127 E. Greenhurst Rd., Nampa 83686 463-0033 Destiny Christian School PO Box 294, Nampa 83686 466-1264 Little Ones Preschool 3121 Custer Ave., Nampa 83686 463-1593

Messiah’s Children Preschool 534 W. Iowa Ave., Nampa 83686 465-4511 Love A Lot Day Care Center 415 Lake Lowell Ave., Nampa 83686 467-5563 Safe Haven Day Care 2024 S. Banner St., Nampa 83686 467-3508 Zion Lutheran Christian School 1012 12th Ave. Rd., Nampa 83686 466-9141 zcsnampa.org

83687 Here We Grow Preschool 7847 E. Red Oak Ct., Nampa 83687 350-9720 Polaris Learning Center 6224 Birch Ln., Nampa 83687 466-1322 polarislearning.net

Wesleyan Preschool and Kindergarten is a nationally accredited program that offers a rich curriculum based on sound knowledge of early child development.

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PROGRAM OPTIONS Parent & Tot - 1 day a week program 2/3’s - 2 day a week program 3/4’s - 2 & 3 day a week programs 4/5’s - 3 & 4 day a week programs Transitional Kindergarten 5 days a week program (All 8:45 to Noon) a ministry of the First United Methodist Church

EXTENDED DAY OPTION Mon-Thurs (12:00 to 1:30)

Idaho Family Magazine | MARCH 2018 23

Happy Place.

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Whether building, buying, or moving up, ICCU has the home loan to fit your needs: • Fast approvals • No-fee and low-cost loan options • IHFA, FHA, VA and Rural Housing Loans • Construction Loans available Apply online, or stop by your local branch.

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24 MARCH 2018 | Idaho Family Magazine

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