Basin’s Universal Preschool, established in 1999, offers tuition-free preschool for all four-year-olds in the Basin School District, serving approximately 20-30 students. The program takes an integrated approach by blending the district’s early childhood special education services with general education for four-year-olds. This inclusive model, where typically developing peers support the learning of children with developmental delays, follows best practices for early childhood education. The preschool incorporates a balanced curriculum that combines play-based learning centers both inside and outside, along with structured circle time and focused small-group instruction. This approach fosters a well-rounded educational experience that supports cognitive, social, and emotional development.

The program provides three full days per week for four-year-olds and three half days for three-year-olds with IEPs. With a Step 5 rating on Idaho STARS Steps to Quality, Basin’s Universal Preschool maintains a high standard of education. It also earned an average score of 6.18 on the ECERS (Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale), reflecting its exceptional learning environment. Over the past 25 years, Basin has tracked the academic progress of its graduates. Students who attended Basin’s program consistently perform at higher levels, scoring better on the Idaho Reading Indicator in grades K-3, excelling on the Idaho State Achievement Tests starting in 3rd grade, earning more dual credits in high school, and demonstrating higher graduation and college enrollment rates.

A parent is a child’s first and most important teacher. But we know that children don’t come with an instruction manual. This FREE program is designed to provide parents with information and to help build their children’s intellectual, language, social, and physical development from birth to kindergarten age.

Each stage in a child’s development is important and comes with learning opportunities. Parents as Teachers helps guide parents through these stages and gives them tools for success
PROGRAM SERVICES

• In-Home Visits: Clients will receive personal visits from a certified parent educator offering timely, age-appropriate information including:

• Prenatal care for healthy fetal growth and development

• What to expect as your child grows and develops

• How to encourage intellectual development, curiosity, and language development

• Focused observations using child development information

• Confidential discussion of your parenting concerns

• Fun activities to help your child prepare for school

Group Connections

• Families are invited to get together for a learning opportunity, community event, or exploration child-friendly social interactions in the local area

• Observe your child playing with other children

• Make connections with other parents and caregivers and provide support to each other.

  Screenings

• Vision

• Hearing

• Developmental

READY! for Kindergarten® provides workshops and take-home materials and tools, to inspire and empower parents and caregivers to help babies and young children develop strong brain connections that determine how they will think, learn, and grow.

Parents and caregivers attend a series of workshops each year, based on when their child will enter Kindergarten. They learn new skills and helpful tips to nurture development in ways that foster academic skills and personal behaviors to boost children’s motivation, perseverance, and engagement in learning.

Created by the Children’s Reading Foundation, the curriculum is based on current research and replicates what parents and educators of successful students have done to help young children learn for years.

Lee Pesky Learning Center works alongside educators and parents to support students in achieving their full potential. They offer training programs for both teachers and parents, as well as resources tailored to address the developmental needs of preschool and school-aged children.