Early Childhood Exhibit 2011

Early childhood advocates lending their voices include an economist, police chief, parents, early childhood provider, doctor, a retired army general, and more. 

"Investing in early childhood programs not only advances the social, emotional and intellectual development of our young children, but also provides critical contributions to our economy - employeeing 15,000 workers and allowing 160,000 parents to stay in the workforce. Connecticut succeeds when our children succeed."

Beth Bye
State Senator

"According to a report from our organization, 75 percent of young Americans are unable to to serve in the military. These are the same young people we depend on to serve in times of need and ultimately protect this nation. Support for high-quality early education will help ensure that more young people are on track for successful military service, including military careers."

General Wesley Clark
US Army (Retired)
Former NATO Supreme Allied Commander

"Early childhood programs are part of a world-class education system that provides nurturing, stimulating and developmentally-appropriate early childhood experiences. Research shows that high-quality pre-k enhances children's school readiness."

Hyacinth Douglas-Bailey
Vice President of Child Development
YMCA of Greater Hartford

"Mountains of research show that a socially and cognitively-rich environment during the first five years are crucial to a child's success in school and life. Waiting for kindergarten is simply waiting too long. If we care about children, the economy, or both, we will invest in high-quality early education and child care."

Walter S. Gilliam, Ph.D.
Director, The Edward Zigler Center
Yale University

"Quality early childhood education can close the income gap, reduce health disparities and save taxpayers a bundle in lower health and social costs. It saves lives and it saves money. Early childhood education is a moral imperative with an economic payoff."

Testimony of Dr. James Heckman, submitted to the National Fiscal Commission

James Heckman.
Professor of Economics and
Nobel Prize Winner, University of Chicago

"Scientific research has proven that prevention and early intervention are highly effective and can save millions of dollars. Working with young children and their families to address early signs of health, mental health and developmental problems is a powerful strategy for a healthy Connecticut."

Darcy Lowell, M.D..
Executive Director, Child First CT
Bridgeport Hospital

"Children who are given high-quality early learning experiences graduate high school at a higher rate, are more likely to go to college, and are more likely to attain skills that Connecticut employers need. Investing in early childhood builds our communities and strengthens the state's human capital."

Sean W. Moore
President
Greater Meridan Chamber of Commerce

"Every parent wants their child to reach their full potential, but we don't do it alone. Connecticut's early childhood programs - health, education and child care - are essential partners in raising kids who are healthy, safe and ready to learn."

Michele Mudrick and Gary Case
Glastonbury Parents

"We all have a role to play. Early care and education demands the intellectual and financial resources of communities, government, philanthropy and business to embrace all the families who need a little help to have their children succeed in school."

David Nee
Executive Director
William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund

"Connecticut's future is dependent on the success of our children. With nearly 400,000 children age eight and under, investing in high-quality early childhood programs that address learning, health, safety and economic security, is more important than ever."

Ann Pratt
Executive Director
Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance

"Early childhood programs provide the social and behavioral foundations that help children navigate difficult circumstances later in life. In fact, children who attend high-quality early childhood programs are far less likely to engage in crime and more likely to continue their education and become successful, contributing members of society."

Daryl K. Roberts
Police Chief
City of Hartford