Last month, in Indiana, United Way of Central Indiana, Light of the World Christian Church, The Expectations Project and several other community organizations brought over 500 educators, faith leaders, business leaders, and elected officials together for an Early Education Summit focused on improving and expanding early education throughout the state.
The keynote speaker was none other than Virginia’s very own Rob Dugger–a true champion of early education who has been a longtime advocate, both here in Virginia and nationally, for investing in kids. Rob co-founded ReadyNation, a business partnership for economic success, and was recognized as the first recipient of ZERO TO THREE’s Reiner Award for Outstanding Advocacy on Behalf of Very Young Children.
The Summit also featured remarks from Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard and Dr. David Hampton, Senior Pastor of the Light of World Christian Church, as well as a screening of Are We Crazy About Our Kids? The Cost/Benefit Equation, a documentary that explores the economics of investing in high quality early care and preschool.
Ready to watch? Check out the summit below. To hear from Rob Dugger, jump ahead to minute 36:26 where Mayor Ballard introduces him.
“When children start school in America without the health, skills, and social development they need, our economic future is jeopardized. We must put children at the top of our political agenda. It is not whether we can afford to make investments in young children’s development; it is whether we cannot afford not to make them.”
-Rob Dugger
Enjoy!