Va. keeps focus on early-childhood education, official says

Despite tough economic times, Virginia has taken a strong interest in maintaining its programs for early-childhood education, according to a member of the Virginia Board of Education.

Rob Krupicka, a member of the board and an Alexandria city councilman, was among a number of speakers yesterday at the Smart Beginnings Public Engagement and Advocacy Summit that highlighted some of the state's opportunities for children from birth to age 5.

He pointed out that a statewide infant and toddler specialist network has been established as a resource for caregivers and program administrators. He said a quality-ratings system is being piloted that provides information on early-childhood programs and services to give parents a way to make more-informed choices about their early-childhood options.

Krupicka also said the state continues to support funding for the Virginia Preschool Initiative.

"That's not something to give a passing glance to," he said, adding that it shows the vested interest there is in such a program. "In really difficult times we've added money."

The summit was at the Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen and hosted by the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation and Voices for Virginia's Children.

Rich Neimand, chairman and creative director for the Washington-based Neimand Collaborative, discussed the economic impact that young children can make on the country if given the right tools early enough in their lives.

Using research from University of Chicago economics professor James Heckman, Neimand said the formula for success involves getting people to invest in early-childhood education. Once that happens, the rest depends on developing children's cognitive and social skills, not just one or the other, and then sustaining what they've learned through continued educational opportunities.

The end result will be a nation that's better off because it has a work force of well-educated and productive citizens, Neimand said.

Audience members heard from military officials who encouraged them to continue fighting for early-childhood programs.

Retired Brig. Gen. John W. Douglas reiterated the recent news that more than 75 percent of young adults ages 17 to 24 aren't eligible for the military because they don't have a high school diploma, they have a criminal record or they're physically unfit.

"We do need, in this dangerous world, a strong military to defend us," Douglas said. He added that if the military is able to draw forces only from a shrinking pool of applicants, "there are some big, big danger signs out there in the future."

Contact Holly Prestidge at (804) 649-6945 or .