A new voice and source of information entered the early learning world this month when the First Five Years Fund launched a new blog and website.
The Starting Point blog covers early education issues and the fund supports early learning through advocacy, data and other work with policymakers. Former Chicago Tribune editorial board member and award-winning journalist Cornelia Grumman anchors the blog and the organization as executive director.
I will get out of the way and let the First Five Years Fund explain what they do.
Through knowledge, data, advocacy, and collaboration, we help elected officials, business leaders, and philanthropists see early childhood education as a solution for dramatically improving education, health, social, and economic outcomes—in the short- and long-term. We help them understand how to craft policies, leverage existing funding, add new revenue, develop programs, and incentivize the most efficient and effective ways to invest in the development of America’s greatest resource—its children. – Our Mission, First Five Years Fund.
Check it out.
Special Education for Toddlers and Infants Gains in President’s Budget: In a tight federal budget plan with plenty of proposed cuts, President Barack Obama suggested a small increase in special education spending for babies and toddlers.
Funding would rise to $489 million for the Infants/Toddlers program under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act from $439 million in fiscal 2010, Early Ed Watch reports. The IDEA’s preschool program funding would remain stable at $374 million.
Plus, President Obama proposed increasing federal special education grants to states to $11.7 billion in fiscal 2012, up from $11.5 billion in fiscal 2010.
Further reading: “Obama Budget Brings Mixed Bag For People With Disabilities.” – Disability Scoop.