--- title: "Idaho’s Early Learning Standards" id: "22340" type: "page" slug: "idaho" published_at: "2026-05-29T16:59:32+00:00" modified_at: "2026-05-29T16:59:32+00:00" url: "https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/idaho/" markdown_url: "https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/idaho.md" excerpt: "Standards-alignedAll 8 domains coveredNAEYC & Head Start aligned Browse other states Arizona Colorado Florida Georgia Illinois Indiana Michigan Minnesota Missouri New York North Carolina Ohio Pennsylvania Texas View all 51 states → Idaho framework overview Idaho’s Idaho Early Learning eGuidelines:..." taxonomy_language: - "English" --- [Brightwheel](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/) › [Early Learning Standards](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/) › [Idaho](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/idaho/) › Idaho’s Early Learning Standards # Idaho’s Early Learning Standards ## Idaho’s Idaho Early Learning eGuidelines: The official early learning framework — all 8 developmental domains and how Experience Curriculum aligns to each one. Standards-alignedAll 8 domains coveredNAEYC & Head Start aligned Browse other states [Arizona](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/arizona/) [Colorado](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/colorado/) [Florida](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/florida/) [Georgia](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/georgia/) [Illinois](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/illinois/) [Indiana](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/indiana/) [Michigan](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/michigan/) [Minnesota](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/minnesota/) [Missouri](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/missouri/) [New York](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/new-york/) [North Carolina](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/north-carolina/) [Ohio](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/ohio/) [Pennsylvania](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/pennsylvania/) [Texas](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/texas/) [View all 51 states →](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/) Idaho framework overview## Idaho’s Idaho Early Learning eGuidelines: The official early learning standards framework Idaho’s early learning standards are organized under the Idaho Early Learning eGuidelines, administered by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW). The eGuidelines apply to licensed childcare programs, Head Start, and early intervention programs serving children from birth through kindergarten entry statewide. Idaho’s eGuidelines define developmental expectations across all 8 domains and guide curriculum planning, developmental assessment, and program quality in licensed early care and education programs. Programs can view current guidance at the [IDHW Early Learning eGuidelines page](https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/services-programs/about-idaho-early-learning-eguidelines) . Framework name Idaho Early Learning eGuidelines Administered by Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW) Age range covered Birth through kindergarten entry Steps to Quality Idaho’s QRIS is called Steps to Quality, supported through IdahoSTARS. Steps to Quality is a voluntary six-step system evaluating programs across seven quality domains including Curriculum and Instruction, Learning Environments, and Child Development. Using a research-based curriculum aligned to Idaho’s Early Learning eGuidelines supports higher Steps to Quality ratings. Explore by developmental domain## Idaho’s Idaho Early Learning eGuidelines domains and Experience Curriculum alignment Select a developmental domain below to see how Idaho’s Idaho Early Learning eGuidelines defines that domain, the key milestones by age group, and exactly how Experience Curriculum activities and skills map to each Idaho Early Learning eGuidelines indicator. [Social-Emotional DevelopmentSelf-regulation, peer relationships, identity, empathy, and emotional expressionExplore Idaho Social-Emotional Development standards →](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/idaho/social-emotional/) [Language & LiteracyReceptive and expressive language, phonological awareness, early reading and writingExplore Idaho Language & Literacy standards →](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/idaho/language-literacy/) [Mathematics & ReasoningNumber sense, patterns, measurement, spatial reasoning, and early problem-solvingExplore Idaho Mathematics & Reasoning standards →](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/idaho/mathematics/) [ScienceObservation, inquiry, cause-and-effect, and exploration of the natural worldExplore Idaho Science standards →](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/idaho/science/) [Social StudiesCommunity, family, cultural identity, roles, and civic understandingExplore Idaho Social Studies standards →](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/idaho/social-studies/) [Creative ArtsVisual arts, music, movement, dramatic play, and creative expressionExplore Idaho Creative Arts standards →](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/idaho/creative-arts/) [Physical DevelopmentGross and fine motor skills, body awareness, health, and self-careExplore Idaho Physical Development standards →](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/idaho/physical-development/) [Approaches to LearningCuriosity, persistence, initiative, flexibility, and attentionExplore Idaho Approaches to Learning standards →](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/idaho/approaches-to-learning/) Curriculum alignment## How Experience Curriculum aligns to Idaho’s Idaho Early Learning eGuidelines Experience Curriculum is formally aligned to Idaho’s Idaho Early Learning eGuidelines across all three age bands — Baby (birth to 18 months), Toddler (18 to 36 months), and Preschool (3 to 5 years) — and all 8 developmental domains. The [Idaho Early Learning eGuidelines Alignment PDF](https://www.mothergoosetime.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/MGT_Idaho-Align.pdf) documents how every Experience Curriculum activity and skill maps to a specific Idaho Early Learning eGuidelines indicator. For Idaho programs using brightwheel, developmental observations can be logged directly in the app during or after activities, automatically building each child’s portfolio and supporting Steps to Quality curriculum documentation requirements. Download the alignment PDF The [Idaho Early Learning eGuidelines Alignment PDF](https://www.mothergoosetime.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/MGT_Idaho-Align.pdf) is a free resource documenting how every Experience Curriculum activity maps to Idaho’s Idaho Early Learning eGuidelines indicators — suitable for QRIS review submissions and licensing documentation. Frequently asked questions## Common questions about Idaho’s early learning standards What is Idaho’s official early learning framework? Idaho uses the Idaho Early Learning eGuidelines, administered by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW), as its official early learning framework. The eGuidelines cover all 8 developmental domains from birth through kindergarten entry and apply to licensed childcare centers, Head Start programs, and early intervention programs statewide. Is Experience Curriculum aligned to Idaho’s Early Learning eGuidelines? Yes. Experience Curriculum is formally aligned to Idaho’s Early Learning eGuidelines across all age bands (Baby, Toddler, and Preschool) and all 8 developmental domains. The Idaho Alignment PDF maps every Experience Curriculum activity to the specific eGuideline indicator it supports, providing documentation for Steps to Quality reviews and licensing visits. Does Idaho have a Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS)? Yes. Idaho’s QRIS is called Steps to Quality, supported through IdahoSTARS. Steps to Quality is a voluntary six-step building block system. Programs are evaluated across seven quality domains including Curriculum and Instruction, Health Safety and Wellness, and Partnerships with Families. Using a research-based curriculum aligned to Idaho’s eGuidelines supports higher Steps to Quality ratings. Which Idaho programs are required to follow the Early Learning eGuidelines? Licensed childcare programs and Head Start programs in Idaho are expected to use a curriculum aligned to the Early Learning eGuidelines. Programs participating in Steps to Quality must meet additional quality standards including curriculum alignment. ## See Experience Curriculum in your Idaho program Research-based, state-aligned curriculum delivered to your door every month. [Get a free tour](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/experience-curriculum/)