Massachuetts Biotech Effort Supports Early Childhood Education

"INVEST in Children" is the slogan on the state's special license plate that sends modest but important funds to help childcare centers develop quality programs for our youngest citizens. Yet overall, the well intentioned programs we use to invest in our preschoolers are fragmented and inefficient.

Massachuetts' governor will be reviewing a provision to phase in over the next decade universal, voluntary preschool for children ages 3 to 5. This proposal was crafted in the House, and the Senate also included it.

Included the budget is the creation of a Department of Early Education and Care, which will promote school readiness when children's emotional and intellectual development makes them most ready to learn. It also provides for better coordination of childcare services for children from birth to 5 years. Furthermore, it streamlines childcare licensing requirements and cuts administrative costs. In short, it represents the kind of reform the governor says he wants.

Across the state, nearly 40 organizations from organized labor, education, medicine, religion, and business have endorsed this effort. It is worth noting that the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council supports universal early childhood education as an economic development issue. The council promotes research and job creation in the biotech field, which holds great promise of high paying jobs for Massachusetts.

More here.