What’s economics got to do with it?

By Sue Stepleton

Wow; what a week on the financial front! Never did I think I’d be watching the stock market every hour on the hour, but I certainly have. Clearly, implications are both personal and professional.

The challenge for early childhood folks, though, is not to lose focus. Seems to me that it’s more important than ever to understand and use the very strong “return on investment” arguments that are plentiful and valid when we talk about early childhood care and education. Whatever direction our country (and the world) is moving economically, the need to make the pay-now-or-pay later case has never been more relevant.

How do we assure that we’re included in the conversation?

• Register to vote; encourage parents we work with to do the same.
• Send questions to moderators of the upcoming debates.
• Get involved in local races.
• Run for office ourselves.

How are you making your voice heard?

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Up for debate

By Jane Callahan

While I’m not a single issue voter, I do listen to see if candidates mention early childhood education and family support issues. As a nation we face many difficult and complex issues, but I care about what the candidates are proposing to help children and families. If you’re really motivated or just want to learn more about the specifics of the candidates’ proposals, I urge you to visit their campaign web sites for more detailed information their positions on the issues: www.johnmccain.com and www.barackobama.com. If you don’t agree with their positions, let them know through the web-based “contact-us” icon on each of their web sites.

We are especially excited here in St. Louis because Washington University is hosting the vice presidential debate on October 2nd. With the recent announcement of Sarah Palin as John McCain’s running mate, this is shaping up to be a very big event! From the viewpoint of Parents as Teachers National Center, we are excited that both Delaware, the home state of Democratice vice presidential candiate Joe Biden, and Alaska, the home state of Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, both have strong Parents as Teachers programs serving families. 

Wouldn’t it be great if early childhood education would be an issue for discussion at the Wash U debate?