As I read about President Bush’s education plan, I was pleased that education was being recognized as a priority on the legislative agenda. Regardless of the different opinions about how the plan is ultimately implemented, we can at least agree that well-educated citizens are in everyone’s best interest.
The issue of quality education, however, needs to begin with how we support families from the time children are born. Beginning the education issue with elementary school is like building a house from the roof down. A strong foundation is necessary for success. The foundations of healthy physical, emotional and intellectual development need to be firmly established during the first five years of life.
The best teachers giving their best efforts cannot succeed in teaching children from households where extreme poverty, substance abuse, domestic violence or other crises have prevented healthy growth.
All children need access to quality early-education experiences during the first five years. This means that individuals working with young children have the same professional credentials as elementary teachers, and that all families have access to the resources and support they need to raise healthy children.
