Original Source | Statesman Journal
By Saerom Yoo, Wednesday August 17, 2011

Gov. John Kitzhaber on Wednesday painted a hopeful picture for the youngest children in Oregon - especially those who are disadvantaged by maltreatment and poverty.

At a full-day symposium on early childhood brain development and child welfare, Kitzhaber outlined his goals for early learning.

"I am absolutely convinced that strategic and sustained investment in early childhood - in years 0-5 - is key in effectively addressing the issues and helping all kids to grow up to be productive adults," he said at the Salem Conference Center.

But maintaining continued support for the lengthy reform process in tough economic times will not be easy, he said.

Kitzhaber said the members of the Early Learning Council, which is part of the education reform priorities he advocated for in the recent legislative session, will be appointed in the next day or two.

Senate Bill 909 created the Oregon Education Investment Team and a starting point to establish an integrated "0-20" education system.

Kitzhaber said ensuring that children are ready to learn when they enter school means addressing risk factors, like maltreatment, poverty and addiction, in their families.

The Early Learning Council, which will consist of early childhood experts and other community leaders, will look to accomplish the following:

-A system to promote early identification of children and families in high-risk situations and neighborhood service centers organized around elementary schools where families can receive support and services.

-Measurement and accountability of outcomes, costs and kindergarten readiness through assessments.

-Consolidation and streamlining of early childhood programs and funding streams.

Kitzhaber said the implementation plan will be presented to the 2012 Legislature.

Up-front investment in early childhood development would save health, social service and public safety costs in the long run, he said.

But without a quickly visible return on investment, sustaining support for the revolutionary bill could be difficult.

"Passing the legislation was the easy part," Kitzhaber said. "What we need is to help people ... understand we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to pivot this budget crisis into something profound and meaningful for our children and the future of our state."