ACF Messenger
September 10, 2004

President George W. Bush last week released details of proposals to strengthen education, including early childhood development, and job training opportunities.

For the complete text of these proposals, go to http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/09/20040903-1.html.

Early Childhood Development for a Successful Start

Early childhood development is one of the best investments America can make to ensure that children are successful in school and later in life. Studies show vocabulary, letter knowledge, and phonological awareness, in addition to social and emotional factors, have a significant impact on later success in school. Whether in pre-school or at home with parents or other caregivers, every young child should have the opportunity to develop the skills needed to succeed in school.

President Bush continues his efforts to improve early childhood education through the Good Start/Grow Smart program, including his proposal to strengthen Head Start. Additionally, the President will:

• Give priority consideration for Federal funding to early childhood programs in states that have a coordinated early childhood plan involving Head Start, pre-K, and childcare services;
  
• Continue volunteer parent early literacy training through Head Start;
  
• Continue to fund research to: develop the most effective curricula and programs for teaching children early literacy and math skills; develop developmentally appropriate measurements; and identify ffective adult and family literacy programs;
  
• Expand the Reach Out and Read program, which seeks to make early literacy a standard part of pediatric primary care;
  
• Continue and expand distribution of Healthy Start, Grow Smart booklets to provide parents the information they need to enhance their children's early development;
  
• Engage faith-based and community-based organizations to help provide parents with the skills they need to advance their children's healthy development; and
  
• Increase outreach efforts to minority families to better disseminate effective early childhood development strategies.