About

The ASISU Early Childhood Association was officially approved by the ASISU Student Senate in April 1995 under its original name, the Child Development Association. The founding officers were President Heidi Helmandollar, Vice President Judy Robinson, Secretary Jinann Cobia, Treasurer Shauna Sorensen, Historian Jeanine Ballard, and Advisors Helen Beitia and Carol Grimes. The initial purpose of the club has remained largely the same, with one exception: in its early years, the Association also highlighted the benefits of obtaining a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential through the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition, a branch of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

In November 2011, the club officially changed its name to the Early Childhood Association. With this change, the club broadened its focus, shifting from an emphasis on the CDA credential to raising awareness of the variety of certificates and degrees available through the Early Childhood Care and Education Program. The officers at the time of the name change were President Jennifer Herbst, Co-President Misty Sheets, Secretary Trista Schmitt, Treasurer Cassi Stucki, and Advisor Carol Grimes. Along with the name change came an additional responsibility for the Secretary: establishing and maintaining the Early Childhood Association’s Facebook account to enhance communication and outreach.

Throughout its history, the Association has been dedicated to supporting families and children in our community through service projects and outreach opportunities, including the Angel Tree project and member support initiatives. Annual trips to the State Capitol were often paired with visits to model early childhood programs in the Boise area. Since 2018, the Association has been a proud and steadfast supporter of the Portneuf District Library’s annual Eggcessible Easter Egg Hunt.