WALLY AMOS PARTNERS WITH CHILD DEVELOPMENT GROUP

March 31, 2005

MARCH 31, 2005 As a successful business leader, Wally Amos understands the important connection between quality early care and education and future success in life. Amos is the heart and soul behind Famous Amos Cookies and the owner of Uncle Wally's Muffins. He also is the national spokesperson for Literacy Volunteers of America, and he recently partnered with the Atlanta affiliate of the National Black Child Development Institute (BCDI) to support quality early learning and literacy. 

Through his partnership with BCDI, a Smart Start Georgia partner, Amos will make several appearances in the Atlanta area during the next few months to encourage learning and literacy among Georgia's most valuable resource-its young children, ages birth through five.

This innovative partnership kicked off on March 23, when Amos read "Chip&Cookie, No More Chocolate Chips" to more than 50 youngsters at the YMCA's Chattahoochee Early Learning Center. "Every child can learn if given the opportunity," Amos said after the lively and giggle-filled story-telling session. "Reading aloud to kids is the foundation for a meaningful life."

In fact, reading to children is a critical step in the learning process. Studies show that young children who have been read to regularly start school with a huge advantage: they are ready to learn.

Through Amos' support of literacy and learning, he is investing in the state's future workforce, something he hopes other Georgia business leaders will commit to as well. "Amos's passion and our vision for Georgia's children was a perfect match," said Linda Hassan Anderson, president of BCDI's Atlanta affiliate. "He is a visionary who is committed to the well-being of children. With support from the business community, these types of literacy and early learning programs can really make a difference. It's about investing in our future."

Smart Start Georgia relies on partners like BCDI to implement innovative programs that support quality early learning. Together with its partners, Smart Start Georgia aims to ensure that each of Georgia's young children have access to quality early care and education. For more information, please visit www.smartstartga.org.

â?? This article posted with permission by the Atlanta Daily World.