JOHN SMOLTZ MAKES A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF GEORGIA'S YOUNGEST CHILDREN

July 10, 2003

JULY 10, 2003 ATLANTA - Atlanta Braves pitcher and long-time champion of children?s causes, John Smoltz, is teaming with the statewide organization Smart Start Georgia to spread the word about the importance of quality early care and education in Georgia. 

?Smart Start Georgia is thrilled that John Smoltz is going to bat for Georgia?s children who deserve a smart start in life,? said Sharen Hausmann, director of Smart Start Georgia. ?Smart Start Georgia is devoted to improving the quality of early care and education for all of Georgia?s children ages birth through five, and we couldn?t be more grateful to have John Smoltz as a voice for our cause.?

Together, Smart Start Georgia and John Smoltz have developed a series of public service announcements set to begin airing this summer throughout the state, which will build public understanding of the economic and social need for quality early learning opportunities for all children in Georgia. The announcements also provide information on how communities can better prepare Georgia?s youngest children for success in kindergarten. 

?Quality early care and education is an important and relevant issue not only for parents and educators but for Georgia as a whole,? said Smoltz. ?Failure to maximize the learning potential of children has far-reaching consequences, and can impact the economic stability of the state and lead to higher juvenile crime rates.?

At a time when more than 70 percent of Georgia?s fourth graders are reading below grade level and state test scores consistently rank in the bottom 20 percent nationwide, Georgia residents are looking for ways to turn things around. ?These daunting statistics can be dramatically improved with quality early care and education,? said Ms. Hausmann. ?Research reveals the early years of a child's education are the most critical in a child's development, with more than 90 percent of a child's intellect, personality and social skills formed by age three.?

Studies consistently show that children who experience high-quality, stable child care at an early age demonstrate better language and math skills, are more able to form secure attachments with adults and other children, and develop better cognitive and social skills. Without basic educational skills ? the ability to read and write, understand basic math, solve problems and interact with others ? children begin elementary school at a severe disadvantage, and the disparities will continue to grow over time.

?A child?s early educational experience is crucial in ensuring he or she enters kindergarten ready to learn,? said Hausmann. ?We cannot continue to deny children the learning opportunities they need and deserve because of economic disparities. It is our responsibility to ensure that each child in Georgia starts kindergarten ready to succeed.?

About Smart Start Georgia
Smart Start Georgia, previously known as the Georgia Early Learning Initiative (GELI), is dedicated to creating and implementing innovative programs and outreach initiatives to improve the quality of early care and education for all children ages birth through five throughout the state, promoting lifetime learning and ensuring greater achievement throughout the child's education and beyond. Smart Start Georgia is a public/private partnership among the State of Georgia, the Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation, United Ways of Georgia, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, and more than 40 additional supporting organizations.

For additional information on Smart Start Georgia programs or how to become involved, please call 1.877.STARTGA or visitwww.smartstartga.org. 

Stephanie Woolbright
Edelman
404.262.3000
stephanie.woolbright@edelman.com

Amanda Bolster
Smart Start Georgia
404.527.7307
abolster@unitedwayatlanta.org