Goal

Increase understanding of early child development, human brain development, the fundamental importance of the early years, and the elements of successful parenting among the following groups: parents, families, other (nonparent) caregivers, the business community, public officials, policymakers, and others.

Helpful Questions

Please address the questions below, plus any others you think are important and repond to them through the email link at the bottom of this page.

Community Coordination

• What community-based efforts exist which focus on early education and care?
• Is there a collaborative body for community action in the community? Does this group participate or lead local initiatives on early education and care? Does this group coordinate resources -- finances and staff -- which address these initiatives?

Advocacy

• How can we convey the message that early intervention in education and care is proactive, preventive, and benefits the community as a whole?
• How can we encourage policymakers to support increased investment in early childhood education and care?
• How can we help all sectors of the community to be advocates for infant and preschool children to have optimal learning and care opportunities? What are the barriers to this? What outreach might lessen them? What organizations and processes currently work to address this grassroots issue?
• What community sectors may not see a relationship to early education and care and the importance of investing in a young, developing mind? How can we work to inform and gain their support?

General

• What can be done in our community to reach this goal?
• What would help our community move forward?
  

Go on to the Public/Private Partnerships section.