Arts Education
Where it’s needed most!
Twin Falls, Idaho is a small, rural city where many families struggle to access the kind of high-quality early childhood education that’s essential for long-term success—especially in a region where incomes are below the national average and resources are limited. The Denali Foundation is proud to serve as the fiscal sponsor for Sequoia Children’s Center, a visionary early-learning initiative founded by board member Sequoia Schmidt. Created to bring high-quality, arts-based childcare to the Magic Valley, the center offers play-based learning inspired by Montessori, Waldorf, and Reggio Emilia philosophies. Children thrive through hands-on exploration, connection to nature, creative expression, and daily rhythms that nurture emotional security and independence. In this underserved part of Middle America—where Idaho consistently ranks among the lowest in child care affordability and availability—Denali Foundation’s support helps ensure that families in Twin Falls have access to enriching early education that builds a strong foundation for lifelong learning, confidence, and success.
Make a Difference
Ninety percent of a child’s brain development occurs before the age of five—making early childhood the most critical window for building the foundation for lifelong learning, health, and success. Yet for many families in rural and underserved communities across the U.S., access to high-quality early care is out of reach. Through the Denali Foundation, individuals and businesses can change that by sponsoring a child to receive enriching, arts-based early education in programs like Sequoia Children’s Center. Your support helps ensure that every child—regardless of zip code or income—has the opportunity to thrive during the most important years of their development.
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Sequoia Children’s Center is a high-quality early childhood education program supported by the Denali Foundation. We provide nurturing care, developmentally appropriate curriculum, and a safe environment for children aged 2 to 5 years old. The education is largely an arts based curriculum incorporating artistic creativity and curiosity for the Childs development.
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The Denali Foundation partners with and supports Sequoia Children’s Center to ensure access to high-quality arts based early childhood education for all families, regardless of income. This includes funding, program development, art supplies, and community engagement. Without the support of Denali Foundation sponsorship, SCC would not be able to operate in a way that is available to all - including low income, and even foster children. SCC has an open door policy, and will not turn away a child regardless of financial circumstance, thanks to the support from Denali Foundation’s Fiscal Sponsorship.
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With an allocated donation to support SCC through the Denali Foundation, you can choose to sponsor a child through two avenues:
Foster Child: The Children in the Foster care and ICCP category are often the most vulnerable. Many come from homes impacted by trauma, and receive some state support, but its not nearly enough to cover the true cost of high quality care. Help us bridge the gap.
ALICE Family: These are the families doing everything "right" - working hard, budgeting, saving - but still falling short. They don't qualify for assistance, but they're barely staying afloat. Supporting ALICE families helps prevent crisis before it begins.
Please consider making your donation today: https://www.sequoiachildrenscenter.com/sponsor
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Please follow this link to learn more about making an allocated donation: https://www.sequoiachildrenscenter.com/sponsor