Governor Blunt's Early Childhood Delegation to Attend National Early Childhood Symposium

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

June 19, 2008

Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290


JEFFERSON CITY  Gov. Matt Blunt is sending a bipartisan delegation from state government and the private sector to represent Missouri at the National Symposium on Early Childhood Science and Policy, June 26-27 at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Teams from 14 states will attend the event to explore the latest scientific advances in early childhood development, along with evidence-based conclusions about what works in early care and education programs.

"Missouri has a long history of innovation and support for early childhood development and the work of Missouris Coordinating Board for Early Childhood are continuing this great tradition," Gov. Blunt said. "It is important that we continue to focus on the needs of our youngest Missourians and their families, and our participation in this national early childhood symposium has the potential to build upon the successes we already have achieved."

This innovative educational event, jointly organized by the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, and the National Conference of State Legislatures, will help each team bring this new knowledge to bear on policies that enhance childrens well-being and long-term outcomes, laying a solid foundation for economic prosperity, healthy lives, and strong communities.

"In Missouri, we are fortunate to have a diversity of leaders who understand the importance of making sound public policy decisions informed by hard science and real results," said Karen Bartz, chair of the Missouri Coordinating Board for Early Childhood. "We already have a strategic plan to guide all services for young children in Missouri that emphasizes the use of programs that are supported by research but we believe that this cutting-edge science can help us work together to take Missouri to the next level of effectiveness."

Missouris team includes Sen. Rita Heard Days, St. Louis; Rep. Jeff Grisamore, Lees Summit; Deborah E. Scott, director, Department of Social Services; Stan Johnson, assistant commissioner, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education; Paula Nickelson, coordinator, Missouri Early Childhood Comprehensive Services Plan; Sue Stepleton, president, Parents as Teachers National Center, St. Louis; Tom Watkins, chair, Success by Six Initiative, St. Joseph; and Karen Bartz, chair, Missouri Coordinating Council for Early Childhood, Pleasant Hill.

The following states were selected to attend the symposium: Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington.

"We are delighted with the high level of leadership, focus, and policymaking expertise represented on these teams," said Jack P. Shonkoff, M.D., Director of the Center on the Developing Child. "Were looking forward to working with these highly motivated civic leaders to help take their states to the next level of impact from their early childhood policies and practices."

"Governors offices around the country embraced this opportunity to learn and work together with the legislative branch, early childhood experts, and business leaders to improve the lives of children in their states," said John Thomasian, director of the NGA Center for Best Practices. "Many governors have made early childhood issues a high priority, and thats reflected in the number and quality of teams coming to the symposium."

"Legislative leaders from both sides of the aisle have shown tremendous interest in learning how to apply science to crafting effective policies," said Steffanie Clothier, Program Director, National Conference of State Legislatures. "State lawmakers are at the forefront of innovation in early childhood policy and this symposium will provide the tools they need to improve the lives of young children in their states."

Education is Gov. Blunts highest budget and policy priority, and he has increased funding for education every year he has been in office. Since taking office Gov. Blunt has delivered an increase of $1.2 billion ensuring that Missouri teachers and students have the resources they need to succeed.

Gov. Blunt is a champion of early childhood issues. The governor has provided an increase every year in his budgets to enhance Parents as Teachers and signed legislation into law requiring the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to establish standards for early childhood programs, such as the Missouri Preschool Project, funded by the state.

The National Symposium on Early Childhood Science and Policy is made possible by a grant from the Buffett Early Childhood Fund.