MN researchers show investment is real

The StarTribune again published an editorial highlighting early childhood issues. This week the editorial featured the research that Minnesota researchers Arthur Reynolds and Judy Temple have done in conjunction with the Chicago Child Parent Centers. There are critics who argue that investments in early education do not last. Indeed, the research proves, the investments do last and are profound.

The investment aspect of providing quality early childhood experiences to our youngest Minnesotans is an important one. We know that when children experience quality early learning in their first five years it not only benefits the individual child and their family, but it benefits all of us.

Age 3 to Grade 3 model gets attention

The StarTribune published an editorial this week highlighting Age 3 to Grade 3 as an early childhood education model. Age 3 to Grade 3 (sometimes called PreK-3) is comprised of at least three parts: high quality early care and education, all day kindergarten, and curriculum and standards alignment through third grade with parent involvement throughout. Ideally, this would take place in one location and the staff would have consistent contact with the children for all 6 years.

Research shows that the PreK-3 approach can close the student achievement gap, reduce the need for special education services and increase the likelihood of a future educated and competitive workforce. An article by Bill Graves, PK-3: What is it and How Do We Know it Works? gives more detail about the PreK-3 approach.

Ready 4 K has been promoting PreK-3 as an innovation in early education and for closing the achievement gap. In the 2007 legislative session Ready 4 K proposed piloting PreK-3 models as part of a larger package for improving linkages between early childhood and K-12 education. See a summary of the proposed bill. Funding for these pilots was eliminated in last minute budget negotiations at the end of legislative session. Ready 4 K will again raise PreK-3 as a positive step toward our goal of ensuring kids in Minnesota are ready for kindergarten and ready for life.

Barefoot is best

An article in today's Star Tribune discussses the growing popularity of stylish shoes for baby and toddlers. But what's best for growing piggies? No shoes whenever possible and ones with flexible soles. The article also outlines what to look for when buying for baby.

And, if you want to see where other Twin Cities parents go for shoes check out the Cribsheet blog for a list of favorites.

Creating a baby genius

I'm not a parent yet, but have scanned my share of baby registeries to know that it usually contains a Baby Einstein product. Is this bad? Not at all. The boom to recognize the importance of learning from birth is an ideal we were founded upon and hold dearly. However, how much is too much when it comes to teaching our kids, and can a "product" really make a baby smarter? Adrienne Martini explores the subject of "Baby Geniuses" on Babble.com, a magazine and blog devoted to new parents.

We'd believe that it's the love and attention from parents that helps baby excel. What do you think -- do educational products make a difference in how smart kids are?

(By the way, have a fun and safe Independence Day!)

Farewell to our colleagues

Be well, do good work, and keep in touch. ~Garrison Keillor

This quote is fitting today as we say thank you and bid farewell to several of our colleagues – Chuck, Brad, Erik, Mai, Sara and Tim – who, through their work at Ready 4 K, improved the futures of thousands of our youngest Minnesotans. We will miss each of them and wish them luck on their next endeavors.

Parenting Q & A

With the Summer solstice occurring today, summer has officially begun. This means you're probably planning or packing for a summer getaway. As we all know, family trips are a great way to make lasting memories. Whether you're taking an 8 hour flight to another continent, or simply driving an hour north to visit your cabin, the last thing you want to listen to is your children chant "are we there yet?". This episode in Vicki's Parentin Q & A podcast series will give you strategies and suggestions for making the most of traveling with your children.


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MP3:> Parents as Teachers: Getting rid of the "Are we there yets?"

Early Childhood gaining momentum in Congress

While we here in Minnesota have been working hard to promote policies in our state legislature, early childhood issues are getting attention on the federal level. Sen. Clinton (NY) announced a pre-kindergarten proposal last month as part of her presidential campaign. This proposal would give $10 billion to give every 4-year old access to a pre-kindergarten experience. Currently, Sen. Clinton is drafting a bill to introduce later this year based on her proposal.

Also, Sen. Casey (PA) has introduced a bill, S. 1374, known as the "Prepare All Kids Act of 2007". From the bill summary, this act will assist states in making voluntary high quality full-day pre-kindergarten programs available and economically affordable for the families of all children for at least 1 year preceding kindergarten. The bill includes funds for infant and toddler programs, extended day and extended year programs, as well as eligibility for community-based programs such as Head Start and child care. Read Sen. Casey's remarks for more detail.

After you'd had a chance to read the bill, I'd love to read your comments. What do you think about the idea? How could it work in Minnesota?