Building the foundation for life-long health and self-sufficiency.
PRESENTER SLIDES & ADDITIONAL MATERIALS
Investments in the early years of life can yield a significant return over time. Evidence shows that strong programs, coupled with training for parents, result not only in economic gains for the children as they grow up, but sizable savings on taxes. For example, graduates from high quality preschool programs are less likely to need special education, are arrested less often and spend less time in prison (equating also to fewer crime victims), require fewer social services, are healthier and, in turn, pay more taxes.
Borrowing the title from a 2000 landmark publication of the same name, Wyoming2030’s first town hall will begin at the beginning. We’ll hear from a range of perspectives and explore how the science of development can generate a deeper appreciation of early relationships, life experiences and environments. We will discuss how the context – family, child-care, community – within which a child grows and develops can impact life-long health and hear about promising practices that can help to build a strong foundation for future learning, behavior and health.
As with each of our discussions, we will begin with four short presentations to set the stage and then invite several front row participants to join the conversation. A broader listening audience will have the opportunity to make comments via the chat, participate in polls and ask questions. Melody Edwards with Wyoming Public Media will moderate.
Presenters:
Rob Grunewald, Economist: Minneapolis Federal Reserve
Amy Spieker, Director of Community Health & Analysis: Cheyenne Regional Medical Center
Rebecca Steinhoff, Director: Wyoming Kids First
Promising Practice:
Elsie Chargingcrow: Family Spirit Program
Front row participants:
Fred Von Arhens: V.P Manufacturing, Genesis Alkali
Diana Clapp: Former Superintendent & Coordinator for the State Board of Education
Senator R. J. Kost: State Senate District 19 for Park and Bighorn Counties
Amelia Eckerdt: Parent – Big Horn Basin
Dr. Joseph Horam: Chief Medical Officer, Blue Cross, Blue Shield of Wyoming
Lety Liera: Director of Early Head Start & Head Start. Children’s Learning Center
Representative Albert Sommers: State House District 20 for Sublette County