PERDUE CHILD ADVOCACY A PLUS FOR GEORGIANS

February 13, 2003

FEBRUARY 13, 2003 President Bush has said it again and again since he took office two years ago. When it comes to quality education, every child deserves an equal chance. Georgians across the state agree with the president, and we're proud our new governor does, too. Gov. Sonny Perdue's assurance last Thursday at the Capitol that our children have an advocate in the Governor's Office and in with first lady Perdue is a welcome indication that Georgia will continue its leadership role on children's issues.

Child advocates are thrilled the governor is committed to Georgia's tradition as a state that puts children first. Georgia was the first state to provide a universal pre-kindergarten program for all of our 4-year olds, regardless of their family's income level. In fact, we send 75 percent of our eligible 4-year-olds to quality prekindergarten programs. Seven years later, dozens of states have followed suit.

Our strong support of early childhood learning programs is rooted in research: study after study indicates the importance of early childhood care and education. Studies show that 90 percent of a child's intellect, personality and social skills are formed by age three.

Children enrolled in quality preschools are less likely to need special education services and more likely to graduate from high school. After leaving school, they are more likely to be employed, will earn higher salaries and will be less susceptible to violence and criminal activity.

Through innovative programs and outreach initiatives, the Georgia Early Learning Initiative (GELI) is working to improve the quality of early care and education for children from birth through age five, promoting lifetime learning and ensuring greater achievement throughout the child's education and beyond.

GELI is especially significant in Georgia, where for every 10 children who start school, six will go on to high school, three will enter college and, of those three, only one will graduate.
Child advocacy programs and GELI work hard to support Georgia's legacy as a state that cares about its children, and Georgians are applauding Governor and Mrs. Perdue for helping continue that legacy. 

â?? This article posted with permission from The Albany Herald.