who we are
Since 2015, K-12 and early childhood educators, businesses and community leaders in Kuna have banded together to ensure young children in our community are receiving the high-quality early childhood care and education needed to increase school readiness. Each year, Kuna Early Learning (formerly known as Get Ready to Learn, Kuna!) Collaborative works with local childcare and preschool teachers to provide early literacy screening services to 3-5 year-olds throughout the community.
In addition, the Early Learning Collaborative supports families by providing parent education opportunities to support their child’s readiness as they enter kindergarten. In 2019, Kuna Early Learning, with a preschool grant award from Idaho AEYC, implemented a high-quality preschool for 4-5 year-olds preschools located at Kids Independent Day School. The program, now located at KunaNaz Church of the Nazarene, supports families who do not qualify for Head Start services, yet are within the United Way ALICE Household Income Guidelines. It also aims to serve children of migrant families, offering bilingual services within the classroom.
Ginny Greger, Community member
Christy Hall, Kuna School District, Teacher; READY! for Kindergarten District coordinator
Tracy Hall Johnson, Kuna Early Learning, Project Manager
Brian Higgens, Kuna Naz
Kristin Lein, Giraffe Laugh, Kuna Site Director
Kim Nixon, Kuna Early Learning, Chair
Anna Owsley, My Place Preschool, Teacher
Denise Macaluso, My Place Preschool, Director
Zulema Montenegro, City of Kuna, Mayor’s Office
Ana Paz, Owner, Enrique’s Mexican Restaurant
Linda Power, Community Member
Terri Reno, Kuna School District, Ross Elementary Community Pantry
Adriana Sanchez Prado, Kuna School District, Migrant Coordinator
Alaina Terry, Kuna Library, Program Coordinator
Ludee Vermaas, Kuna Early Learning, Executive Director
Jenni Webster, Friends of Children and Families Head Start, Associate Director - Program Services
Sebastian Westphal, Parent
members and affiliations
strategic plan
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Goal One
Support parents to help their children be ready for school.
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Goal Two
Leverage our community to help children be ready for school.
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Goal Three
Collaborate with preschool and child care providers to help them prepare children to be ready for school.