Early Childhood Advocates Deliver Message at the Capitol

LANSING, Mich., May. 21 /PRNewswire/ --

LANSING, Mich., May 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- More than 500 parents, children and other supporters of early childhood development united today at the State Capitol for the Second Annual Star Power Rally.

The rally, sponsored by the Early Childhood Investment Corporation (ECIC), is intended to recognize champions of early childhood education, care and development and to let state legislators know about the strengths of the Great Start System -- Michigan's early childhood initiative.

Governor Jennifer Granholm has proposed an increase in funding for early childhood development that, if passed by the legislature, will impact Michigan families and benefit the state. Her increased investment of $31.5 million would expand the Great Start Collaboratives to allow all 650,000 Michigan children under age five to be connected to a Great Start Collaborative, fund important innovation grants to develop evidence-based practices in all early learning environments, and allow an additional 7,000 at-risk children to attend the Great Start Readiness Pre-school Programs.

Extensive statistical data and case studies show a return on investment of $7-$17 for every $1 invested by government.

"We are expecting an enthusiastic and record size crowd," ECIC CEO Judy Samelson said before the event. "We are proud of the hard work occurring at the grassroots level to promote early childhood development. And our local partners are thrilled to have the opportunity to communicate success stories to their elected officials in Lansing."

The day began with training sessions to help bring rally participants up to speed on policy issues being debated under the dome and prepare them for visits with their state legislators.

During the rally and an afternoon program, early childhood champions Consumers Energy, the United Way of Michigan, and Washtenaw Intermediate School District Superintendent William Miller were saluted for their hard work and commitment to early childhood issues. State Superintendent Mike Flanagan and Speaker of the House Andy Dillon also spoke.

"We'll call today a success if we meet with representatives from every legislative office," Samelson said. "It's an ambitious objective, but I know our crowd is up for the task. Their passion for early childhood education will drive them to get it done."

The Great Start initiative was launched in 2004 as a movement to create public understanding that learning begins at birth and that investment in early childhood health, development and learning is crucial to the state's economic future. ECIC was created in 2005 to assure that every young child in Michigan has a Great Start and arrives at the kindergarten door healthy and ready to succeed in school, with parents who are committed to educational achievement.