Bringing Brain Building to Beacon Hill

Wherever you see children interacting and learning in enriching environments, what you're truly seeing is brain building in progress. Early experiences build the architecture of the developing brain, much like a house is built from the foundation up. Each step lays the groundwork for the next set of skills - like reading and math - and a lifetime of learning and productivity. Brain building is an investment that yields high returns.

With those important experiences in mind, United Way brought its "Brain Building in Progress" message to Beacon Hill last week as it convened a breakfast for legislators and their staff.  The event, sponsored by Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz and Representatives Alice Peisch and Steven Walsh, featured representatives from leading statewide advocacy groups, who spoke about what they see on the ground - and how we can improve the lives of our most valuable asset, our children.  The timing was key, as the state House of Representatives is poised to debate next year's budget soon, and legislators learned firsthand the importance of funding early childhood care and education.

United Way set the stage by highlighting the importance of funding early childhood development, and then legislators heard from several organizations working on all aspects of a healthy child, including the Bessie Tartt Wilson Initiative; Children's Investment Fund; Early Education for All; Massachusetts Advocates for Children; the Massachusetts Association of Early Education and Care; and the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.

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