Week of the Young Child Brings Festivities, Resources, and Community Support to Eastern Idaho
Idaho Falls, Idaho — Communities across Eastern Idaho are marking the Week of the Young Child with free family events, official mayoral proclamations, and charitable initiatives aimed at supporting young learners and the families who raise them. The nationally recognized week, running April 12–18, has drawn participation from at least 13 cities throughout the region, reflecting a broad local commitment to early childhood education and child development.
The Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children (Idaho AEYC), in partnership with educational organizations across Eastern Idaho, is coordinating weeklong festivities open to any child at no cost. Organizers say the goal extends beyond celebration — the week is designed to raise awareness about the tools, resources, and support systems families need to help children thrive from birth through age 8.
Events in Idaho Falls and Rigby Draw Families This Week
In Idaho Falls, the Idaho Falls Public Library is hosting a special storytime featuring Blippi, the popular children’s educational character familiar to young audiences across the country. The storytime session is scheduled for Wednesday morning at 10:30 a.m., blending entertainment with early literacy engagement. Families who attend will have the opportunity to enter for a chance to win tickets to the live “Be Like Blippi” tour, set to take place later this month at the Mountain America Center.
In Rigby, the Rigby City Library has organized a full schedule of activities throughout the week. Events include a scavenger hunt, storytimes for babies and toddlers, hands-on learning experiences, and a family game and LEGO day to close out the week. Participants also have the chance to win family passes to the East Idaho Aquarium.
The variety of programming reflects one of the week’s central themes — that children learn through play, creativity, and hands-on exploration. Each day of the Week of the Young Child highlights a different aspect of how young children grow and develop, from music and movement to storytelling and family engagement.
Diaper Drive Highlights Resource Gaps for Idaho Families
Beyond the festivities, Idaho AEYC is also using the week to draw attention to the practical challenges many Idaho families face. As part of this year’s observance, the organization is conducting a diaper drive benefiting the Idaho Diaper Bank.
According to organizers, nearly half of Idaho’s babies live in families experiencing financial hardship. Diapers — which can cost up to $100 per month per child — are not covered by federal assistance programs such as WIC or SNAP, leaving a significant gap for low-income households. Advocates say the diaper drive helps meet an immediate, basic need while also spotlighting broader resource shortfalls affecting families with very young children.
The charitable component of the week underscores the belief among educators and community leaders that early childhood investment pays long-term dividends — not just for individual families, but for the strength of Idaho communities as a whole.
Across Eastern Idaho, at least 13 cities are issuing formal mayoral proclamations recognizing April 12–18 as the Week of the Young Child. The widespread official recognition signals growing momentum among local governments to acknowledge early education as a community priority, without expanding government programs or increasing the tax burden on residents.
For families in the Idaho Falls area looking for additional community programming and wellness activities, resources continue to grow locally. A new Idaho Falls studio recently opened with a focus on movement and healthy aging, reflecting the region’s broader commitment to community well-being across all age groups.
What Comes Next
The Week of the Young Child continues through Friday, April 18, with events ongoing at libraries and community sites throughout Eastern Idaho. Families are encouraged to check the Idaho AEYC website for a full list of participating cities, scheduled activities, and free resources available throughout the week. The Blippi storytime at the Idaho Falls Public Library and the wrap-up LEGO and family game day at the Rigby City Library are among the final featured events. Idaho AEYC is expected to continue its statewide advocacy efforts for early childhood education following the conclusion of this year’s observance, building on the community connections made during the week.