Through the Eyes of a Child
It is too much of a simplification to say that child development is a complex process. Modern brain and child development research support the need to provide nurturing, educationally stimulating, safe environments and experiences in the early years. As is often stated by brain experts, "brain development is experience driven", and the research now available shows how early experiences directly impact the architecture of the brain. What might have started as a mechanism for child play, nourishment, and safety while parents were at work, early childhood programs including child care, Head Start, and Pre-k have been propelled by science into a pivotal role in expanding human capacity and personal fulfillment.
To discuss effective strategies for improving access to high quality early education and specific priorities for the upcoming legislative session, thousands of advocates, elected officials, parents, business leaders, and other key stakeholders came together to participate in the annual Pre-k Now National Satellite Conference on December 10th. The participation of more than 30 communities speaks volumes to the momentum that has been built in Texas and the sense of urgency felt in every region of the state to ensure every child has the necessary tools to succeed in school.
According to the 2008 KIDS COUNT Data Book, Texas ranked 37th among the 50 states in overall child well-being. With the fastest growing child population in the country, an increasing percentage of our children growing up in poverty, and in the aftermath of a natural disaster; Texas cannot afford not to invest scarce resources into an area that will bring big returns. The Federal Reserve Bank and other economists contend that no public investment provides a greater return than the support of early childhood education and development. TECEC looks forward to working with you during the 81st Legislative Session and to make sure that big gains are made for our youngest learners!
Child Data Resources:
Annie E. Casey KIDS COUNT Data Center
http://www.kidscount.org/datacenter/compare_results.jsp?i=1000
The State of Texas Children: Texas KIDS COUNT Annual Data Book 2008-2009
http://www.cppp.org/category.php?cid=10
KEY FACTS ABOUT Children birth to three years, their families, and the child care system that serves them
http://nccic.acf.hhs.gov/itcc/PDFdocs/TexasFINAL.pdf
Raising Texas Child Data
http://www.raisingtexas.com/child-data/
The 2008 Texas Child Care Portfolio
http://www.taccrra.net/county.html
National Center for Children in Poverty Data Tools
http://www.nccp.org/tools/
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