Legislators, Business Leaders Agree Early Childhood a Priority

A bipartisan group of more than two dozen state law-makers, business leaders and child advocates gathered on March 21 at the HighScope Educational Research Foundation in Ypsilanti to discuss the importance of investing in early childhood to build an educated and skilled workforce for Michigan.

Referring to the collection of legislators in the room, Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville (R-Monroe) noted: “You’ve got bipartisan support here we haven’t seen in years. It shows how important early childhood education is. It’s an investment in our workforces and our com-munities.”

The event – sponsored by High- Scope, Michigan’s Children, The Center for Michigan, and the Early Childhood Investment Corporation – brought 11 law-makers and Lt. Gov. Brian  Calley to the acclaimed HighScope center to hear from leading experts on early brain develop¬ment and visit the HighScope Demonstration Preschool, known worldwide as a model of high quality early education.

Lt. Gov. Calley opened the session by sharing his feelings about his daughter’s diagnosis of autism, and the commitment he and his wife made to “do whatever it takes.” Legislative co-hosts included Sen. Richardville, Sen. Rebekah Warren (D-Ann Arbor), Rep. Mark Ouimet (R-Scio Twp.), Rep. Amanda Price (R-Holland), and Rep. David Rutledge (D -Ypsilanti). Business leaders included Phillip Wm. Fisher, secretary of the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation Board, Debbie Dingell of D2 Strategies, Tim Salisbury of PNC Bank, Matt Clayson of the Detroit Creative Corridor Center, Tracy Connelly of Metro Parent Magazine and Phil Power of The Center for Michigan.

“It’s clear this cannot be a one-day gathering. Know the legislators here today are committed to working with you,” Sen. Warren told the group.

“What if we had that attitude with every kid? What if we said we’re just going to be successful. We’re going to do whatever it takes.” — Lt. Gov. Calley