Our nation stands at a pivotal moment to promote the educational and future economic success of our children through interventions that science tells us help improve their development, education and well-being. Momentum is growing for programs like evidence-based home visits and high quality childcare and preschool. Congress recently reauthorized the Child Care and Development Block Grant, and federal initiatives are promoting alignment across programs and agencies to create efficient early childhood systems of care. Still, the United States has a long way to go to even the playing field for children and their families who are shut out of opportunities to improve their economic mobility.
Join the Economic Policy Institute, the Broader Bolder Approach to Education, First Focus, and the Opportunity to Learn campaign for an evening event focused on solutions to the challenges low-income children face.
Panelists:
- Emma Garcia, Education Economist, Economic Policy Institute
- Rob Grunewald, Economist, Minneapolis Federal Reserve Bank
- Jane Boulter, Early Childhood Educator and Trainer, Educare, Omaha, Nebraska
- Miriam Calderon, Special Projects, Build Initiative
Panelists will discuss a new study on gaps in both cognitive and noncognitive skills among children who began kindergarten in 2010-2011. They will then explore strategies to address them, as illustrated in the documentary Ready for Kindergarten, which highlights successful efforts in Omaha, Nebraska to improve children’s early learning and school readiness.
Sponsors:
- Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA)
- Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA)
There will be a reception that includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and beverages.
