Rep. Brodeur to Host Early Literacy Event

By: Representative Paul Brodeur

Last week I was pleased to attended a Brain Building in Progress eventweek at the State House, where I took part in reading to young pre-K children from Castle Square, which is affiliated with the Associated Early Care and Education day care centersan early care and education center serving low-income families in Boston. The mission of Castle Hill, like the mission of all high-quality day care and early education providers, is to give all young children the opportunity to reach their full potential by developing school readiness, promoting healthy development, and strengthening families.

Advocates organized Brain Building in Progress is to raise awareness that early learning experiences build the architecture of the developing brain.  There are many things professionals and parents can do to help kids create that architecture and arrive at kindergarten ready to learn.  Critical among these efforts is, for example, the development of early literacy skills that lays the foundation for a lifetime of learning.

To raise awareness of the importance of early education, I will be teaming up with Early Education for All to host an event at the Melrose Day Care Center and Preschool on Tuesday, May 22^nd from 6:30-8:30pm. The event focus will be to discuss the most important time for a child’s development as well as the steps one should take to prepare children for progressing towards a higher education.

Early Education for All (EEA) is a program largely acting on the idea to help children become proficient in literacy by 3^rd grade. Here’s what we know about Massachusetts:  We lead the nation in public education, yet almost 40% of our 3^rd graders read below grade level.  Research indicates that 74% of those kids will struggle throughout school.  They will have limited opportunities compared to their peers, and will be unable to fully contribute to our knowledge-based, innovative Massachusetts economy.  The EEA studies reasons behind such low outcomes in children’s scores on the MCAS. In the state of Massachusetts, approximately 60% of children from low-income families score below proficient in the reading section of the MCAS test..  Recent findings also indicate that improvements in early literacy can reduce subsequent special education referrals.

 We can do better. Studies show that from birth to age 9 are the most essential years for a child’s growth in literacy and, ultimately, their educational career. Both the school and the home are learning environments for children. The state has a role to play in improving the quality and availability of early education opportunities. This requires comprehensive assessments, professional development for early educators, a robust curriculum from early education settings through grade 3, and family engagement. A bill offered by Senator Clark and Representative Marty Walz, which I have co-sponsored, An Act Relative to 3^rd Grade Reading Proficiency, is an important piece of legislation designed to meet these goals.

Of course, the way a child and parent communicate is also an important factor for this area.  In short, pparents have a vital role to play in developing literacy skills. Children who are below average in their reading abilities by third grade are more likely to have a difficult time in high school and college.

I feel that bringing awareness to the importance of a child’s education and household environment will better prepare these students for the future. What affects one affects all and by improving the literacy of children in their earlier years, we can provide these students with a foundation that promotes better learning. Reading to kids every day is critical to developing a love of reading and a rich vocabulary.  Starting at birth, the way a child and parent communicate is also an important factor for this area.  Even the mere presence of books in the home has been linked to improved literacy skills.  Parents need the skills to help their kids succeed.

At the event, presenters will include experts on early literacy, advocates from Strategies for Children, the director of music therapy, Roman Music Therapy Services, the North Suburban Child and Family Resource Network, and the children’s librarians from MPL and WPL.  We will even provide ten tips for parents looking for guidance in developing their kids’ literacy skills. Our panelists will explain the most recent research in early literacy research and the steps we can take to prepare children to enter school ready to learn.  I hope you will be able to join us for this important event.