Georgia's Bright from the Start aims to prepare children up to age 5 for educational success, and Professor Sharon Kagan foresees positive outcomes for that state's new Department of Early Care and Learning.  "The research is very clear: children who are involved in high-quality [programs]--the children particularly that are low-income--receive lifelong benefits," said the professor of early childhood policy. "When children do well, money is saved."

Georgia is the first state to establish an early childhood department.  Kagan, also co-director of TC's National Center for Children and Families, pointed to increasing numbers in child care as a key reason for the initiative.  She said that due to the growing number of working families, "keeping [children] home until [age] 5 has gone out the window."

The article, entitled "State Aims to Prepare Youngsters for Kindergarten and Beyond," appeared in the January 10 edition of the Macon Telegraph.  

Published Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2005