James M. Jeffords: “I am very happy to join a strong bi-partisan group of my colleagues in introducing the ``Early Learning Opportunities…”

“I am very happy to join a strong bi-partisan group of my colleagues in introducing the ``Early Learning Opportunities Act'' amendment. In 1989, President Bush met with Governors from across the nation and identified a set of educational goals for our nation's children. The first national educational goal was that ``By the year 2000, all children in America will start school ready to learn.'' We have unfortunately failed to meet that critical goal. Early childhood learning plays a key role in a child's future achievement and is the cornerstone of education reform. I am absolutely convinced that we must invest in early childhood learning programs if we are to have every child enter school ready to learn and succeed. We know that from birth, the human brain is making the connections that are vital to future learning. We know that what we do as parents, care providers, educators, and as a society can either help or hurt a child's ability to gain the skills necessary for success in school--- and in life.”