March 01, 2004

By: Art Peters
Website: http://www.1st-in-kids.com

Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Convenes Statewide Early Childhood Council

The first meeting of Rhode Island KIDS COUNT’s Early Childhood Council was held today at the Providence Marriott. The meeting served as the kick-off for an important new early childhood initiative called Successful Start, a two-year Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems Planning Grant that was recently awarded to the Rhode Island Department of Health by the federal Maternal and Child Health Bureau. Rhode Island KIDS COUNT is a partner in this initiative.

Congressman Patrick Kennedy provided keynote remarks to members of the Children’s Cabinet, state legislators, early childhood service providers, advocates and parents. In recent years, Rhode Island has worked hard to improve services for its young children and families.

Expanded access to health insurance, increased child care subsidies and innovative benefits for child care providers have made Rhode Island a model across the country, noted Congressman Kennedy.

As we launch this new initiative, I commend you for taking the next steps, for building on successes and for your commitment to the goal that our youngest children have access to the range of early childhood supports that they need.

The first meeting of the Early Childhood Council focused on Successful Start, a two-year planning grant that was recently awarded to the Rhode Island Department of Health by the federal Maternal and Child Health Bureau.

Elizabeth Burke Bryant, Executive Director of Rhode Island KIDS COUNT, launched the meeting by recognizing the commitment of the state and the Children’s Cabinet agencies in working toward improved outcomes for children. She stated, We need to take the next steps in building an early childhood system that is effective, well-financed and cuts across bureaucratic boundaries to truly respond to the needs of families with infants and young children.

The Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems planning grant is part of a national initiative. The five components of the Successful Start Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems effort include medical homes, early care and education, family support, parent education and social-emotional health.

In Rhode Island, Successful Start will involve an assessment and mapping of the state’s early childhood system and the development of strategies for improving collaboration, financing and service provision for young children and families. Dr. Patricia Nolan, Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health, noted, We need continued improved outcomes for our youngest children in health, early emotional development, and school readiness. We are pleased to join Rhode Island KIDS COUNT as they launch this broadbased partnership.

Rhode Island KIDS COUNT is a valued partner and ally, providing critical research support and mobilizing key leaders. Rhode Island KIDS COUNT has a history of involvement with the full range of issues that have a positive impact on early childhood development, from advocacy on child care subsidies and RIte Care to management of the National 17-State School Readiness Indicators Initiative.

The Successful Start initiative provides the opportunity to gather a group of early childhood leaders to make strategic investments in programs for young children and recommend policy strategies to improve the system. The Early Childhood Council, a blue ribbon panel of state leaders from a variety of disciplines, will assist Rhode Island KIDS COUNT and other early childhood advocates to prioritize goals and collaborate on systems changes that result in real improvements in the lives of infants and young children throughout the state.

About The Author:

Art Peters is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-kids.com.  Helping parents find kid-approved clothes, toys, games, books, activities and more.