The most important investments that we make as a society are those in helping our children get off to a strong start in life.  We’ve stepped up our focus in this area, leveraging state and federal investments here in Delaware over the past several years. Recognizing our efforts, U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan was in Delaware on Monday, visiting and playing with the children of St. Michael’s School and Nursery and talking to the staff about their passion for early childhood education. Later, he joined more than 200 elected officials, business leaders and community partners and others who, like the staff of St. Michael’s, have a deep passion to see our youngest citizen’s begin on the right path for learning and life.

The group came together as we launched Sustaining Early Success, Delaware’s plan for a comprehensive early childhood system. The plan focuses on sound physical, emotional and behavioral health; opportunities for quality early education; and strong supports for young learners in early elementary school. We know that children don’t wait until they are five years old to start learning. If we want to create an educational system that produces young adults equipped to compete and succeed in a global economy, we have to start at the beginning. We have to get it right the first time.  Our continued investment and commitment towards ensuring each child is on a course towards lifelong success will create healthier and safer communities, strengthen our tax base, establish a more qualified local workforce and keep Delaware moving forward.

Print