Taking Action for Children: Early Interventions to Prevent Abuse and Prepare for School Success

Taking Action for Children: Early Interventions to Prevent Abuse and Prepare for School Success
UC/file
Taking Action for Children: Early Interventions to Prevent Abuse and Prepare for School Success
UC/file

Taking Action for Children: Early Interventions to Prevent Abuse and Prepare for School Success

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This program, presented as part of the Thursday’s Child series of public policy forums sponsored by Chapin Hall Center for Children at the University of Chicago and the Urban Institute, analyzed the complexities of enacting effective school-readiness policies and programs.

Americans across the political spectrum embrace universal early childhood education. But what about school-success initiatives that reach back even further to support newborns, toddlers, and their parents? What can be achieved when educators, abuse-prevention experts, parents, government officials, businesses, philanthropies, and community groups collaborate?

Participating panelists included: Shelley Waters Boots, research associate with the Urban Institute; Deborah Daro, research fellow at Chapin Hall Center for Children at the University of Chicago; Graciela Italiano-Thomas, president and CEO of Thrive by Five Washington; Ann Kirwan, vice president for national policy consultation at The Ounce of Prevention Fund; and Debra Williams, associate editor of Catalyst Chicago (moderator).

Listen in to hear panelists’ observations addressing what’s behind the latest interest in effective school-readiness policies and programs, the social and political environments needed for successful early learning centers and home visitation efforts, the lessons states can draw from Illinois’ recent experience; and the importance of integrating home-based and learning-center programs, and providing consistent training and supervision for providers.

Recorded Thursday, June 05, 2008 at Chicago Cultural Center.