Early childhood education featured at 2014 Mackinac Policy Conference

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF) will host a discussion on the value of quality education –especially in the early childhood years – for Michigan’s economy at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 29, during the Detroit Regional Chamber’s 2014 Mackinac Policy Conference. Kati Haycock, president of The Education Trust and one of the nation’s leading child advocates in the field of education, will share data on the state of education in Michigan compared to other states. Haycock will then join Michigan Radio’s Jennifer White for an in-depth discussion about how to improve the state’s education landscape, particularly around early childhood education, to ensure opportunity for all children and create the pipeline of 21st century workers needed in Michigan.

The session is open for all to view, via livestream at mivote.org. 

“At the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, we strongly believe that quality early childhood development and learning is critical for preparing children for long-term success and independence,” said Ali Webb, WKKF’s director of Michigan programming. “As state officials and advocates continue to make progress toward making this critical investment in our children, our economy and our future, it’s imperative that we maintain this commitment and public support for high-quality early childhood education programs in order to guarantee Michigan’s place as a leader in education and business.”

Increased state and federal investments in school readiness programs are putting Michigan on the map as an example for improving student outcomes and making preschool available to all children. In addition to the state’s expansion of the Great Start Readiness Program, Michigan was one of just six states in the most recent round of funding to receive federal support through the Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge competition.

“Funding quality early childhood education initiatives in Michigan puts the state and its residents on a path to a stronger future,” said Haycock. “As parents, policymakers and business leaders, we must hold ourselves accountable for ensuring that children at all ages – pre-K through high school – have the high-quality education they need to succeed.”

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