Franklin County Shines Light On Importance Of Early Childhood Education

Pictured (from left) are Franklin County Commissioner John Flannery; Amy Pinkerton, First Start Partnerships; Nicole Nicholson, First Start Partnerships; Commissioner Chairman Dave Keller; Jenn Hawbecker, Franklin County Early Intervention; and Stacey Brookens, Franklin/Fulton Mental Health/Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities/Early Intervention administrator. Commissioner Bob Ziobrowski attended the presentation virtually.

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. – The Franklin County Commissioners have proclaimed April 2022 to be Month of the Young Child and are drawing attention to the essential role early educators play in the healthy development of America’s youth.

The first years of a child’s life are critical and lay the foundation for all future learning. Educational experiences during this time, whether formal or informal, are essential to children’s cognitive, physical and emotional development. It is also during this time that children learn how to interact with others and start forming interests, some of which may remain for the rest of their lives.

When children participate in high-quality early education, taxpayers save money, working families become more economically secure, and children are prepared to succeed in school, earn higher wages and ultimately live healthier lives. 

High-quality early childhood education depends on skilled, educated and consistent early childhood educators who ensure that children – supported by families – have the early experiences they need for a strong foundation. At the same time, early childhood educators need to receive family sustaining wages and have opportunities to acquire critical skills, knowledge and competencies through affordable means.

By recognizing April as Month of the Young Child, the Franklin County Commissioners are urging all residents to recognize the complex, valuable, essential and demanding work of early childhood educators and to support efforts that will increase access to high-quality early childhood education in Franklin County communities.

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