Every Kid Matters: Realities Of Early Childhood Development

DETROIT (WWJ) - WWJ Newsradio 950, in partnership with the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation, W.K. Kellogg Foundation and The Kresge Foundation, hosting one in a series of special broadcasts focused on early childhood development on Wednesday.

The panel, hosted by WWJ's Vickie Thomas, explored the realities of early childhood development - the benefits, the struggles and addressed help in finding the best programs available.

Research tells us that 90% of a child's brain is developed before they ever step into a kindergarten classroom. What happens during those first 5 years of learning

Click here to view related image.

? How does that affect a child's individual success? And, what does that mean for our community and our economy?

It's a decision parents have to make that could shape a child's life forever. What early childhood program is best for their child(ren)? Safety, comfort, cost, location and quality are things to consider when making that decision.

Guests included:
Denise Smith, Vice President for Early Learning, Excellent Schools Detroit
Monica Duncan, State Director, First Children's Finance
Ann Kalass, CEO, Starfish Family Services

WWJ City Beat Reporter Vickie Thomas will host"Every Kid Matters: The Case for Early Childhood Investment" at 7 p.m. the last Wednesday of each month. This year-long series will bring awareness to the important issues that affect early childhood

Click here to view related image.

, and the steps needed to ensure that Michigan's children have an equal opportunity to realize their full potential in school, work and life.