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Thursday, December 18, 2008

Obama Pledge Stirs Hope in Early Education

That was the title of an article on the front page of the New York Times on Wednesday.

According to the article, Obama and his aides are emphasizing their continuing priority for investment in early childhood. The $10 billion Obama has pledged for early childhood education would be the largest new federal initiative for early education since Head Start began in 1965.

It's about darn time!!

It's been proven that children that receive quality care and education from birth become less of a burden on society and more productive members of it! One study estimates that for every dollar invested in early childhood education, there is a $7-$10 return to society. I think that's a pretty important investment!

I also think the investment is in more than just 'education'. Academics are very important, however, I believe that social and self help skills are just as important as ABC's and 123's. Kids who learn to interact appropriately in a group of peers, how to ask for, receive, and give help, take care of their physical needs, those kids have such a head start on life. Early care is so important, be it at home, or with other caregivers.

I am so glad to see our government considering our kids as important to our future. I hope that President Elect Obama keeps his promises.

Read the full article

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yup, it is about darn time!

If salary is any indication, this country values parking lot attendants more than it does its early childhood professionals. We can only hope that Mr. Obama's focus on early childhood education changes that kind of thinking!

WendyZ said...

I just posted about this myself after Rae's blog brought it to my attention. Good stuff!!