Early Care and Education: Basic Academic & Social Readiness JANUARY 2006

A Commitment to Our Future It is a fundamental principle that our quality of life tomorrow depends on the quality of our education system today. We need a “twenty-first century education system” that gives every child every tool to succeed.

Statewide Early Education for Children 3-6 years old Statewide Social, Emotional, and Health Readiness for Children of ALL Ages Oppose Support Oppose Support Voters Support Early Care & Education Programs

A program that screens children’s early social and emotional development should be part of Ohio’s EDUCATION SYSTEM There is a Surprising Level of Support for Screening Children’s Social & Emotional Development as a Part of State Education Programs Strongly Agree 51% Somewhat Agree 18% Disagree

Getting children on the right track early in their lives can prepare today’s children to be independent tomorrow. Voters DO See a Direct Link Between Physical and Behavioral Development and School Readiness

And…They Expect Government Funding

Even Better? Voters Put Their Own Money on The Table 53% of registered voters would support a $100 per family a year tax increase to fund early care and education programs

Support cutting existing dollars from other areas of the state budget to fund early care and education 60% Support a $100 tax increase per family per year to fund early care and education 49% You Have a Real Opportunity to Win the Support of Republicans

Responsibility & Respect By “making a commitment” to provide our children with a “sturdy foundation” we can give them a greater chance of succeeding in life, and that helps all of us – not just parents – but EVERY one of us.

“There’s nothing in society and there’s nothing in the Constitution that says the government should play a role in parenting.” “The state has a responsibility to provide help for parents of young children so they can best prepare them for the challenges that lie ahead.” Disagree Help Parents to Parent…Don’t do it for Them

“The state can provide support and help me make an informed decision. But I’m still an adult. I can still decide how to raise my kids.” The VOLUNTARY Aspect of These Programs Is Very Important to Voters

“Just because they have money doesn’t mean these parents are reading to their children every night.” “I want my kids to be closer to knowing 1100 words, rather than 480, and I DON’T want it to be based on my income.” These Programs Must be UNIVERSALLY Available These Programs Must be UNIVERSALLY Available

“It sounds so negative when you say that if they don’t go to preschool these kids will live outside the bounds of society. Just because you don’t go to preschool doesn’t mean you’re going to be a degenerate.” Focus on the Benefits of Programs Not the Risks of NOT Having Them

Chances & Choices The Ohio Early Care and Education Campaign is pursuing an agenda that will help children learn more and learn better at an earlier age. We want Ohio to provide “tools for children” and “choices for parents” – so that THEY can figure out how best to prepare their children for the challenges that lie ahead.

Even if they aren’t born into the best circumstances, every child deserves a fair chance. EQUALITY evokes ideas of outcome. FAIRNESS connotes opportunity. This is About Fairness in Educational Opportunity

Children who learn how to learn very early are more likely to realize later academic success. America needs a twenty-first century education system that gives every child every tool to succeed. Learning to Learn

CHOICES, CHOICES, CHOICES How important is it that state-funded early care and education programs be available in a setting other than a school building, such as a community center, non-profit childcare center, church or other childcare facility? 32% Very Important Important 30%25% A little bit Important 12%

“Giving children the basic social, emotional, and academic tools, as well as the health treatment they need to be better students, improves all our schools and communities.” This is About Caring for Communities

The Language of Early Care & Education

Which of the following terms best describes a young child’s early social & emotional development? EMOTIONAL AND SOCIAL READINESS 48% BEHAVIORAL PROGRESS21% PSYCHOLOGICAL WELLBEING18% MENTAL HEALTH7%

“Investment makes it sound like it’s all about the money. It sounds like you’re putting a dollar sign to it.” Investment vs. Commitment “You’re talking too much about money and not enough about parenting.”

 Voters are suspicious of numbers. They demand a source, a sample size, a date and location. Keep things simple -- but provide informational details.  Along with giving supporting details, speak to your audience as the politically savvy adults they are. DON’T tell them “it’s just common sense” or your program is “the best option out there.” PROVE IT. Back Up Your Facts and Don’t Assume

Parents see their children as individuals, with their own pace, priorities, and potential. They want every child to reach his or her own personal best – not to conform to a government-mandated standard of “normalcy.” Forget about Telling Parents What’s “Normal”

 “Relate to me as a parent. It’s more personal and concerns my family that way.”  “I like statements more that bring my life and ME into it.”  “Who’s going to determine if it’s a quality program? People in other cities have no affiliation with us.” Get PERSONAL With Your Audience

The science of brain development provides a robust argument for these initiatives. Reduced crime stats can be a positive externality – but only use this argument in neighborhoods where crime is a problem. Factual Arguments Are More Powerful Than Emotional Ones

1. Giving parents & families tools 2.Ensuring adequate physical and behavioral health 3.Creating a safe learning environment 4.Giving scientific facts moves public and political opinion 5. Fixing the inequitable K-12 system NOW LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH SUPPORTS HELPING KIDS BY:

NEXT STEPS  Finalize branding Position Statement in February  Finalize brand for release in March  Begin intensive work with members of the legislature and non-traditional allies