The Courier-Journal – Chuck Denny and Mark Shriver
“Generations of Kentuckians have improved their lives through education. In recent years, we have found that school success and the foundation for adult productivity depend on an early introduction to learning. All children deserve a strong start. But in far too many communities, children in poverty miss out. Without access to high-quality early learning programs, children fall behind. Many never catch up. They confront educational, health, and safety challenges not experienced by children from more affluent families. Throughout their lifetime, at-risk children are more likely to complete fewer years of school and experience more years of unemployment. Yet children may attain a successful education if they receive quality learning in their first years. Parents who read and talk to their child at a young age lay the foundation for physical, cognitive, social and emotional development long before kindergarten begins. And the results are remarkable and quantifiable.”(more)