April is Month of the Young Child. Since 2003, Southwest Initiative Foundation has been part of a statewide Early Childhood Initiative to make sure children ages birth to 5 have a healthy start to learning and achieving. All six Minnesota Initiative Foundations lead this effort, with generous support from many partners and donors.
Research shows that kids entering kindergarten not ready may never catch up. It also shows a $16 return for every dollar invested in young children. Southwest Initiative Foundation has invested over $1.3 million in grants plus staffing to support local volunteers, education and advocacy.
In March, I met with congressional staff from Senator Klobachaur’s, Senator Franken’s and Representative Peterson’s offices and shared how important funding for early childhood education and care is. It impacts kids and families today, but also our future citizens, workforce and leaders.
We all have a role to play in supporting our region’s youngest children. Need some ideas? Check out this list of 10 simple things you can do!
