On Monday, March 21, 2011, over two-dozen state legislators, business leaders, philanthropic leaders, and early childhood experts met at the HighScope Educational Research Foundation for an early childhood legislative briefing. The event was co-hosted by Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville (R-Monroe), Senator Rebekah Warren (D-Ann Arbor), Representative Mark Ouimet (R-Scio Twp), Representative Amanda Price (R-Holland), Representative David Rutledge (D-Ypsilanti), and Phillip Wm. Fisher of the Fisher Foundation; Lt. Governor Brian Calley gave opening remarks.

Lt. Governor Calley told the story of learning his own daughter has autism. Calley told the group that when he and his wife learned of his daughter’s diagnosis, they were determined to do whatever it takes for her to succeed in life. He extended this concept to the attendees “What if we had that attitude with every kid?... We’re going to do whatever it takes.”

With Lt. Governor Calley’s opening remarks focusing on the need to intervene early in the lives of Michigan’s most at-risk children, presentations by experts Dr. Larry Schweinhart of the HighScope Educational Research Foundation and Dr. Joan Firestone of Oakland Schools provided the evidence to back up this notion. Dr. Schweinhart highlighted the outcomes of the Perry Preschool longitudinal research demonstrating the $16 to $1 return on investment from quality pre-k programs while his early childhood expert, Beth Marshall, highlighted the world-renowned curriculum in action. Dr. Firestone took the attendees to even younger ages, outlining brain research that highlights the critical period between the ages of birth through three and the need to reach the most at-risk children before they reach preschool programs to ensure healthy brain development.

The luncheon discussion, led by Senator Richardville and the other co-hosts, focused on the actions that legislators and business leaders can take together to ensure early childhood programs are preserved and enhanced in Michigan. The fruitful conversation included legislators asking early childhood experts what they recommend regarding specific policy issues as well as conversations around public-private partnerships.

The partners in this event would like to thank the legislators and business leaders for taking time out of their busy day to learn more about this critical period in child development. We would also like to thank our sponsor, the national Birth to Five Policy Alliance.

See Dr. Larry Schweinhart's presentation on the Perry Preschool longitudinal research findings.

See Dr. Joan Lessen-Firestone's presentation on early childhood brain research.

Read the MI Sandbox Party's coverage of the legislative briefing.

Read HighScope's coverage of the legislative briefing.

Stay connected to learn how you can influence early childhood policy issues.

Learn how to advocate for early childhood programs and services. 

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