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Governor Steve Beshear's Communications Office
Governor Beshear receives recommendations from Task Force on Early Childhood Development and Education
Defining school readiness plays major role in preparing youngest students for success
FRANKFORT, Ky.– After nearly two years of research and discussions, the Governor’s Task Force on Early Childhood Development and Education has completed its study of the Commonwealth’s system of early childhood services. The task force today presented Gov. Steve Beshear with its final report including recommendations that could serve as a framework to improve early learning experiences and opportunities, helping to ensure school readiness for Kentucky’s children, schools and communities.
“A child’s earliest years play a critical role in future achievements,” said Gov. Beshear. “It’s vital that we all work together to strengthen the foundation of education and development for our youngest citizens. I greatly appreciate the work of the task force and look forward to reviewing and implementing the recommendations that will better prepare our youngest students for future successes.”
While Kentucky has the elements of a comprehensive system of early childhood programs, including dedicated service providers, a supportive business community and leaders who recognize the importance of high-quality early childhood experiences, the Governor brought those components together in February 2009 for collaboration and coordination.
Gov. Beshear appointed the 28-member task force of stakeholders, which includes public and private child care providers, school system personnel, college professors and businesspeople, to provide a unified vision for early childhood education and to develop a plan of action to establish and strengthen collaboration and coordination across the system.
The group, co-chaired by Education and Workforce Development Cabinet Secretary Joseph U. Meyer and Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Janie Miller, developed recommendations that would establish school readiness as a value of the early childhood community and prepare children of the Commonwealth for success in school and life.
To view the entire report and recommendations of the Governor’s Task Force on Early Childhood Development and Education, go to www.educationcabinet.ky.gov.
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