Early Childhood Iowa Area Board

Newsletter

Volume 12 - January 2015

Greetings and Happy New Year!

 

Its hard to believe that a new year is upon us already! I hope everyone enjoyed the holidays and that winter will be short lived. The first day of Spring is March 20, 2015 and I'm counting the days!

 

The 4 R Kids ECI Area Board was presented with a Levels of Excellence Model certificate signed from Governor Brandstad at the 4th Annual Appreciation Reception on December 4th at Summerset Winery.  The board also heard from participants in various programs that the 4 R Kids ECI area supports. The testimonial's provided by families and providers were heart warming.  A big thank you goes out to Representative Stan Gustafson and his wife for attending and showing their support.

 

The 4 R Kids Early Childhood Iowa Area Board currently has one position open on the board. This is a rewarding volunteer opportunity and you can make a difference in the lives of children under the age six. For more information download the 4 R Kids Board Membership Application or contact the ECI Director.

The 4 R Kids ECI Area Board has a Facebook Page!  Like us on Facebook  Please check out the latest information that is posted.

 

Debra Schrader

4 R Kids Executive Director

 

 The Economics of Early Childhood Investments

 

According to the White House Council of Economic Advisors, the economic returns to investments in early childhood education, include the following:

  • Increased parental earnings and employment in the short-term
  • Reduced need for remedial education and later public school expenditures
  • Long-term outcomes such as increased educational attainment
  • Increased earnings
  • Improved health
  • Decreased involvement with the criminal justice system.

Research suggests expanding early learning initiatives would provide benefits to society of roughly $8.60 for every $1 spent. Earnings gains from increased enrollment in early childhood education would provide benefits that outweigh the costs of the program.

 

To learn more and view the full report from Executive office of the President of the United States click Here.

 

Legislators in the 4 R Kids Area

A document has been created with all Legislators in the four county area.  Additionally, you can keep up to date with what committees that the legislators have been appointed to by going to the Iowa Legislature website.  

State of Iowa Baby Facts

The science of early childhood development tells us that during the first three years of life, the brain undergoes dramatic development as the child acquires the ability to think, speak, learn, and reason. A baby's early experiences the brain and architecture into a strong or fragile foundation for learning health and success in the workplace. The Zero to Three website has baby fact profiles for each state.  Below are just a few statistics about Iowa.

 

27% of children who are maltreated are under age 3 (U.S. is 27%).

23% of children under age 3 experience residential mobility (U.S. is 23%).

49% of children living with their grandparents are underage 6 (U.S. is 48%).

25% of children entering foster care are underage 3. 

71% of mothers are in the labor force (U.S is 63%).

3.3% of children under age 6 do not have health insurance (U.S.is 8.3%).

Early Childhood Iowa
Stay up to date with Early Childhood Iowa.  The Early Childhood Iowa website has a plethora of information.
Save The Dates

 

4 R Kids 
Board Meetings
No January meeting
February 19, 2015
March 19, 2015
April 16, 2015
May 21, 2015
June 18, 2015
  
FY2015 Toddlerfests
Warren County - March 21, 2015 

Madison County - April 11, 2015

Adair County -
April 27, 2015

Dallas County -
May 2, 2015

Iowa Legislative Session
1-12-15 - session  begins
5-1-15 session ends

Early Childhood Day on the Hill
March 5, 2015
For more information visit 

 

What is Autism?

Autism is a complex developmental disability that appears during the first three years of life and affects a person's ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a
"spectrum disorder" that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees.

 

How Common

 is Autism?

1 in 88 births in the United States

1 in 54 boys in the United States

 

 

 

Debra Schrader, 4 R Kids Executive Director

4 R Kids Early Childhood Iowa Area Board

1011 Pear Avenue

Prescott, Iowa 50859

641-344-2250

4rkids-eci.org

[email protected]


Join Our Mailing List
Like us on Facebook
4 R Kids Early Childhood Iowa Area Board Vision
"Every child beginning at birth will be healthy and successful"