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Why Race Matters
It's a staggering statistic: 26 percent of young children in Kent County live in poverty. But it's the numbers behind that statistic that are even more shocking: 62 percent of African American children age 5 and younger are poor, 51 percent of Hispanic children, and 13 percent of white children. (Source: American Community Survey, 2008-2010. The 2010 Federal Poverty Level was $22,314 for a family of four).
Poverty rates are just one example of significant racial and ethnic disparities. In Michigan:
- African American babies are three times more likely to die before their first birthday than are white babies; Hispanic babies have nearly double the infant mortality rate of white babies.
- African American and Hispanic 4th graders are two times more likely to read below grade level than are white 4th graders.
- 20 percent of African American and Hispanic students dropped out of high school in 2009 -- more than twice the drop-out rate for white students.
Every year, children of color make up a larger share of the total population -- now 35% of all children in Kent County and 31% in Michigan. Locally and statewide, the most growth is among children of Hispanic origin.
 "While the data on outcomes for children of color are often discouraging, many of the causes and solutions have their roots in public policy decisions, including those made about the distribution of scarce tax dollars," said Pat Sorenson, Vice President for Policy of the advocacy organization Michigan's Children.
Michigan's Children launched a project called Race Matters earlier this year, to draw attention to the significant gaps between white children and children of color and to push for policies that will help close those gaps. Among the most effective strategies to reduce disparities: investing in early childhood development.
"The evidence is clear: early investments can reduce disparities in health outcomes and school readiness, as well as ultimately reduce the gaps in educational achievement," Sorenson said. "The bottom line is a better educated workforce and a stronger economy."
Click on the link to learn more about the Race Matters project.
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Susan Broman to lead Office of Great Start
Susan Broman has been a driving force behind the efforts to ensure that young children in Kent County and across the state are healthy and ready to learn when they start kindergarten. She now will take her skills and passion to Lansing, where she'll lead Michigan's new Office of Great Start.
 "This is an exciting and unique opportunity," Broman said. "We now have a focal point for early childhood development in state government that aligns all of the services to bring about better outcomes for kids.
"We have all of the pieces in place and are positioned to take the ball and run," she added. "We have a governor and state superintendent who truly understand that early childhood development is important, and understand the return on investment we receive by investing in quality early childhood programs."
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan made the announcement late last month; Broman will be a deputy superintendent within the Michigan Department of Education.
Governor Rick Snyder created the Office of Great Start earlier this year to consolidate and coordinate early childhood programs and funding streams. Broman has a wealth of experience in working collaboratively on early childhood issues. She was a founding member of the First Steps Commission, chairs the Kent County Family & Children's Coordinating Council, and is past chairperson of the Early Childhood Investment Corporation.
"Susan is the consummate professional," said Matthew VanZetten, coordinator of the Kent County Family & Children's Coordinating Council. "She listens, learns and makes astute observations. She has the courage to make tough decisions. Plus, she knows the challenges and issues facing families today because she has been involved on issues that affect children and families. From expanding medical homes for children to advocating for education reform to learning about various child abuse prevention programs. These traits have made Susan a tremendously effective champion for children and families in Kent County and make her a great choice to head up this new office." Click on the link to read the official announcement from the Michigan Department of Education.
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Milt Rohwer retiring from Frey Foundation
Congratulations to Milt Rohwer, who is retiring from his position as president of  the Frey Foundation at the end of the year. During his 13 years with the foundation, he has been a tireless champion for early childhood and helped create the First Steps Commission.
"Milt's vision and leadership have been instrumental in the work to develop a systemic approach to preparing young children for success in school and in life. Milt's is one of Kent County's strongest voices for early childhood; he has helped focus the attention of the philanthropic and business communities on this important issue. We are proud that he has chosen to continue to serve on the First Steps Commission," said Rebekah Fennell, executive director of First Steps.
Steve Wilson, former president of the Grand Rapids Area Convention and Visitors Bureau has been named the next president of the Frey Foundation.
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Check it out!
Michigan Radio aired a story "Investing in early childhood education" (November 17, 2011) as part of its Culture of Class series. It featured a participant in Kent County's Early Head Start program.
The Center for Michigan's Bridge Magazine (November 10, 2011) featured a report "Racial divide persists in Michigan's infant mortality rate."
Michigan's Children released a special report documenting the state's progress in ensuring that children are healthy and ready to learn when they enter kindergarten: "Great Progress on a Great Start" (November 2011).
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