Division for Early Childhood 2024 Conference

Melissa Crist, M.S. is the Director of IdahoSTARS at the Idaho Center on Disabilities and Human Development, the state University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD). IdahoSTARS houses the majority of quality initiatives in early care and education for the state of Idaho, including the state Quality Rating and Improvement System, the state Child Care Resource and Referral network, child care licensing and subsidy support, and the state early childhood professional development system. Melissa has over 15 years of experience in a variety of early childhood focused roles, including inclusive early care and education and early intervention. In addition to her aRPy Ambassador role, Melissa also serves as the CDC’s Act Early Ambassador to Idaho supporting implementation of developmental monitoring and screening statewide.