Knowledge Universe Joins U.S. Department of Education and Parenting Magazine to Advocate for Young Children

PORTLAND, Ore.--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--While the national focus has been on K-12 education reform, teachers know and researchers have proven that children who attend high-quality early childhood education programs are better positioned for academic success. To expand the conversation from K-12 to “cradle-to-college,” Knowledge Universe and Parenting magazine are hosting a Mom Congress event tomorrow during the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Conference to urge educators, policy-makers, teachers and parents to advocate for early childhood education.

“Quality early childhood education and care programs must capitalize on the unique abilities and interests of all children, while creating a clear path to help them develop the skills they will need in school and beyond.”

Dr. Elanna Yalow, Executive Vice President of Knowledge Universe-US, will kick off the discussion with an overview of early childhood education trends and challenges for the 21^st century. Dr. Jacqueline Jones, Senior Advisor to the Secretary for Early Learning in the U.S. Department of Education, will highlight several Obama Administration initiatives to promote early education for America’s children, underscoring how children who are engaged in early learning programs become more productive citizens. Stephanie Wood, Deputy Editor of Parenting magazine, will moderate the discussion, which will take place from 9-10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 5, 2010 in the California Ballroom A of the Anaheim Hilton Hotel.

“To truly level the playing field for America’s students, we must challenge educators, administrators, legislators and parents to make early childhood education a priority,” said Dr. Elanna Yalow, Executive Vice President of Knowledge Universe-US, who will join Dr. Jones in the discussion. “Quality early childhood education and care programs must capitalize on the unique abilities and interests of all children, while creating a clear path to help them develop the skills they will need in school and beyond.”

Advancing the quality of early childhood education is not possible without effective teachers who go above and beyond in the classroom to encourage a lifelong love of learning. Following the Mom Congress Town Hall event, Knowledge Universe representatives will honor three educators for demonstrating exceptional skills and practices in their work with young children with the 2010 Knowledge Universe® Early Childhood Educator Awards, a unique program in the field of early childhood education designed to recognize the individuals who are dedicated to improving early learning programs.

Recipients were chosen from more than 30,000 teachers from KinderCare® Learning Centers, Knowledge Beginnings®, CCLC®, and other Knowledge Universe brands focused on early childhood education and care. This year’s winners are:

Wendy Lieberman: An educator at KinderCare for 15 years, Wendy is currently a Pre-Kindergarten teacher at the Cincinnati KinderCare Learning Center.
Almas Samadi: A KinderCare educator for 17 years, Almas is the infant teacher at the Wildflower KinderCare Learning Center in Schaumburg, Illinois.
Silvana Ferri: A 3-year veteran and programs specialist at CCLC Cleveland Children’s Academy with years of experience educating young children.

Last month, in a surprise ceremony at their respective centers, each winner received $10,000 and was acknowledged in front of students, parents and colleagues who value their work with children on a daily basis.

About Parenting Magazine’s Mom Congress

For more information on the Mom Congress on Education and Learning, Parenting magazine's initiative to celebrate and connect moms advocating for better schools, visit www.parenting.com/momcongress.

About Knowledge Universe®-US

Knowledge Universe-US is a leading private provider of early childhood and school-age education and care, serving more than 250,000 children throughout the United States. Knowledge Universe-US business lines include the KinderCare® Learning Centers, Knowledge Beginnings®, The Grove School™, Cambridge Schools™ and CCLC® brands, which all offer early childhood education and care through more than 1,700 community-based centers and employer partnerships; and the Champions® brand, which provides more than 600 before-and after-school programs, summer camps and academic science programs to primary and middle schools nationally. For more information, visit www.kueducation.com.