Early education programs face perilous future

Providing proper developmental support to children ages 0-5 is critical to their long-term success. Research shows that 90 percent of the brain develops in the first three years of life, making it the best time to reach a child and provide a solid foundation.

Yet, the Michigan Senate has proposed making deep cuts to Michigan’s early education programs as the legislature works through the difficult task of balancing the state's 2010 budget. The legislature is in no envious position; they are faced with a crippling budget deficit, and balancing it isn't going to be easy.

A lot of tough choices must be made, but they can't be made at the expense of our children.

The proposals made by the Senate call for the complete elimination of funding for the Early Childhood Investment Corporation (ECIC) Child Care and Development Block Grants, the Great Parents/Great Start program, and the Great Start School Readiness Grants. The cuts would have a trickle-down effect on countless programs, including United Way's Early Learning Communities, which would not be able to expand to serve additional children and families in need.

Studies show that for every $1 invested in early childhood education and care, there is a $17 return on investment. As legislators are making tough decisions, it's important to maintain a focus on long term investment in Michigan's future, and the cost savings that will come from investing in education at birth. In addition, early education and quality childcare build the necessary foundation for a child's success in school and are the first steps in training a highly qualified, high-tech workforce.

Take a stand and advocate for our children. Tell your legislators that early childhood education programs are important and must be preserved.

United Way's Diversity and Inclusion team reports progress

Effectively serving all of Southeastern Michigan’s culturally rich communities is vital to the success of our Agenda for Change. With this in mind, United Way is working to enhance our organizational diversity and inclusion IQ, to both improve operations and increase our capacity to solve complex social issues.

We are relatively early in our journey, but have been monitoring our progress. Each year, our Diversity and Inclusion Committee makes those results available in its Diversity and Inclusion Annual Report.

The annual report includes a snapshot of our committee’s efforts over the past year. Highlights include a cultural audit, in which the committee polled the entire staff to get feedback on internal and external diversity issues. The results were mostly positive but highlighted some areas of opportunity as well. To view the entire report, click here.

United Way's Diversity and Inclusion Committee hopes to raise organizational awareness of the various ways individuals are alike and ensure respect and value for the many ways that they are different -- while making an effort to involve all people in its work. This is what it means to be diverse and inclusive.