IOWA LAKES COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENTS ATTEND
EARLY CHILDHOOD DAY ON THE HILL

Iowa Lakes Community College students recently attended an Early Childhood Day at the state capitol in Des Moines.

The students were involved in an advocacy training session on behalf of quality early care, health and education. They had time to visit with legislators and participated in a press conference with Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack.

They also heard a renowned speaker, Helen Blank, who helped the students learn more about advocacy procedures. She is the Director of Leadership and Public Policy, working on early education issues, at the National Women’s Law Center. Previously Blank served 24 years as the director of the Child Care and Development Division at the Children’s Defense Fund.

The first meeting of the new Early Childhood Community College Faculty Alliance was held also. The group discussed program policies, future direction and reviewed the state plan from Early Childhood Iowa.

The Iowa Lakes students displayed a table about their programs next to other displays by professional groups in the rotunda.

Students visited with Senator Jack Kibbie, who expressed his support of their efforts.

“Research shows a clear connection between quality early learning experiences and later success in school,” said Sen. Kibbie. “Please join me in thanking parents, grandparents, childcare workers, teachers and others who give of themselves to create a solid foundation for our children throughout their lives.”

Students also had a chance to meet other legislators, including Rep. Mike May and Rep. Delores Mertz.

Those attending the day-long event shared information with legislators about making an investment in early childhood education. Research has demonstrated that children who participate in high quality early learning programs have stronger mathematical, language, thinking and social skills.

Those included Jackie Foreman of Alton; Emily Nixon of Woodward; Alissa Rosene of Marathon; Leslie Wiita of West Bend; Nicole Andorf of Garrison; Jenna Hansen of Armstrong; Krista Richards of Somers; Tracy Birkenholtz of Baxter; Latasha Bleckwenn of Cylinder; Kim Ginger of Spencer; Alicia Olson of Estherville and Lisa King of Schaller.
 

	From left to right: Emily Nixon, AliciaOlson, Latasha Bleckwenn, Kim Ginger, Lisa King, Krista Richards, Nicole Andorf, Senator Jack Kibbie, Jackie Foreman, Jenna Hansen, Alissa Rosene, Tracy Birkenholtz and Early Childhood Education Instructors Jamie Simpson & Marsha Swanson.