Political Quotes

“I believe the amendment can be accepted on both sides to make sure that we deal properly with early childhood education. I have come to this Chamber many times to state that research has now verified what parents have known instinctively for generations, and teachers will tell us time after time that the first years of life are absolutely crucial development periods for children. How well the parent handles that early time with the child will determine how well that child performs in school later on. Infant brain development occurs very rapidly. The sensations and experiences of this time go a long way toward shaping the baby's mind in a way that has long-lasting effects on all aspects of the child's life. We have learned in Missouri from a program called Parents As Teachers that we can assist parents and families to be better in playing this role that is key to the child's development. Early positive interaction between parents and guardians plays a critical role. A child's education and mental development begin very early in life. Through this amendment, we seek to ensure the continued support of families with the youngest children to find the early childhood parent education programs that can help those families and parents provide supportive, stimulating environments we know all children need.”