Governor Says Education is the key to Economic Vitality - Early Education Matters

Governor Says Education is the key to Economic Vitality - Early Education Matters

(HELENA) - At a news conference today at the Capitol, Governor Brian Schweitzer emphasized the importance of education for life, saying, "Education is at the heart of strengthening the future for Montana families and their economic vitality."

The news conference was held just hours before the kickoff event for the Governor's School Readiness Summit. In addition to the summit this week, the Governor along with the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation will host an Early Childhood Business Summit to partner government, business, and philanthropy in Montana to better understand the economic value to early childhood and care this October in Missoula.

"Education matters, especially for our youngest Montanans," said Governor Schweitzer. "As the father of three teenagers -- Nancy and I fondly recall the early years and remember how eager our own children were to learn. Parents are the first and most important teacher."

The Governor said he would like to see ideas emerge from the summit that honor the diversity in Montana communities for creating an early childhood agenda. "Our shared goal is to make sure that all kids in Montana can succeed in school and grow up to be healthy, competent adult citizens," he said.

The Governor believes:

* Education is the great equalizer.

* Investment in early childhood makes good economic sense.

* It is essential that kids are ready for school and that schools are ready for children.

* Full time kindergarten is important. It helps all kids become successful students, especially at-risk children. Kindergarten opens the door for all children to get ready for college and know they can succeed.

* College access and affordability is critical to insuring all Montana kids can achieve the dream of a college education.

* We have to build our education system to fulfill the hopes and dreams of all children, their parents and grandparents.

Starting tonight in Helena, 14 community and tribal teams and a state government team will work together on how best to support young children and families so that child development is maximized, professionals work more effectively together and families are better served.

Readiness Agenda (Word format)
Community Teams for School Readiness Summit (Word format)

http://governor.mt.gov/news/pr.asp?ID=354