EARLY PREPARATION HELPS GEORGIA'S CHILDREN LEARN

July 10, 2003

JULY 10, 2003 Your extensive coverage of the launch of two Smart Start Georgia programs in Chatham, Bryan and Effingham Counties speaks volumes about the strong support of quality early care and education in this tri-county area.

As you reported ("United Way leads children to Smart Start," June 29, and "Pre-school catch up," July 1), study after study points to the importance of quality early learning, especially for children ages birth to 5 years old.

Not only are children who receive quality early care and education more prepared for kindergarten, but the benefits of quality early learning will stay with them throughout their years in school -- and beyond.

Children enrolled in quality early learning environments are less likely to need special education services and more likely to graduate from high school. And, as your June 29 story noted, these children are less susceptible to violence and criminal activity as teens and young adults.

Quality early care and education made possible through programs such as Smart Start Georgia will do wonders not only for our young students here in the Coastal Empire, but for Georgia's future, as well.

In my capacity of Vice President for Academic Affairs at Savannah State University, I interact with students who are products of quality early learning every day. It makes a difference.

Every child should have the opportunity to start school read to succeed.

JOSEPH "PETE" SILVER 
Vice President Academic Affairs 
Professor of Political Science 
Savannah State University 
Member Smart Start Georgia Board of Directors 

â?? This article posted with permission from the Savannah Morning News.