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Join the campaign for early childhood education

In the state's Fiscal 2005 budget, the Legislature and governor are making an historic commitment to young children and families by approving a plan that lays the foundation for high-quality early education and care for all preschool-age children.

Accessing early education is a perennial concern for parents with young children, and we applaud the state's decision to support universal access to high quality early childhood education.

Why is this important? As your child's most important teacher, you see how much they learn and grow every day. High-quality early childhood education helps children develop the social and academic skills needed for school and life.

Children who participate in early learning environments develop better language skills; score higher in school-readiness tests; have better social skills and fewer behavioral problems; and are more likely to be literate, employed, and enrolled in college.

Scientific research supports these positive outcomes.

Unfortunately, too many Massachusetts children do not have access to the lifelong benefits of early education programs. Through the Early Education for All Campaign, local organizations like ours and the Davis Foundation Cherish Every Child initiative are working to address this issue, and we invite you to join us.

The campaign evolved four years ago from the research project, "Our Youngest Children: Massachusetts Voters and Opinion Leaders Speak Out on Their Care and Education," which was developed by policy specialist Margaret Blood.

This project found that voters and opinion leaders are more willing to support government funding for early childhood education if it is: child focused; for ages 3-5; and identifiably connected to long-term educational benefits.

A more recent poll indicated that nearly three-quarters of Massachusetts' voters support the campaign for early education. Throughout the state, the campaign is working to accomplish these specific goals:

A high-quality preschool experience for every child delivered by a well-trained teacher or provider.

A commitment to improving the training, education and compensation of the early childhood workforce.

Full-day public school kindergarten and successful transitions to kindergarten from early childhood programs.

It is through early education and care programs that we have the greatest chance to break the cycles of poverty, unemployment and child abuse.

If you are interested in making early childhood education a reality for our children, join the Early Education for All Campaign by calling 617-330-7380 or visiting www.info@earlyeducationforall.org

For more information, parents are encouraged to call Springfield Day Nursery at (413) 733-2181.

Joan Kagan is president and CEO of Springfield Day Nursery, 103 William St., Springfield. Springfield Day Nursery is committed to ensuring that all children are prepared to succeed in school and in the community by providing, in partnership with families, nurturing learning environments for early education and individualized care.

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