Kids Count

IT’S TIME TO PUT WEST VIRGINIA KIDS FIRST
Early Child Development Campaign Debuts at Employer-Based Daycare

CHARLESTON—The West Virginia KIDS COUNT Fund will present the 2007 KIDS COUNT Data Book on Wednesday, February 7, at 10:00 a.m.  The law firm of Pullin, Fowler and Flanagan, known for their employer-based daycare, Bright Beginnings, will host the event at their offices in the James Mark Building at 901 Quarrier Street. 

Margie Hale, Executive Director, West Virginia KIDS COUNT Fund, will underscore the need for greater investment in young children by focusing on a section of the Data Book containing a new feature called “Early Child Development Background Facts.”  For the state and each county, the Data Book presents seven facts that impact the lives of young children in West Virginia.  For instance, statewide 54.2% of 121,896 children under age six have all available parents in the workforce, yet only 9% of the state’s childcare centers are nationally accredited.  

As part of the event, West Virginia KIDS COUNT Fund will introduce an awareness campaign in support of the West Virginia Kids First Act – legislation that will strive to establish the framework for a high-quality Early Child Development (ECD) system.  This system will ensure great teachers, great facilities and loving environments for all young children in West Virginia. 

Interviews with Margie Hale; Victor Flanagan, Managing Partner, Pullin, Fowler and Flanagan; and Marie Rinick, Program Director, Bright Beginnings will be made available.  Guided tours of the Bright Beginnings daycare will be conducted.  More information about the 2007 KIDS Count Data Book and the West Virginia Kids First Act can be found on the KIDS COUNT website at www.wvkidscountfund.org or by calling (304) 345-2101.