Project Director
University of Idaho Center on Disabilities and Human Development
Melissa Crist, IdahoSTARS Director at the UI Center on Disabilities and Human Development, serves as a Core Director of the Idaho Center on Disabilities and Human Development at the University of Idaho. Melissa is the Director of IdahoSTARS, the state project implementing CCDF quality improvement activities, including child care resource and referral. She has over 15 years of experience in a variety of early childhood focused roles, including inclusive early care and education and early intervention. She currently serves as the CDC’s Act Early Ambassador to Idaho, co-leading the Act Early Idaho state team to implement early identification activities across birth to five programs. She also serves as a Division for Early Childhood Recommended Practices Ambassador, offering guidance and professional development to families and professionals that work with young children that are at risk for developmental delays or disabilities.