Early Childhood NewsK-12 News

Early Learning: A KET Forum features discussion of early childhood education in Kentucky

Research has shown that a child’s brain develops more from birth to age five than at any other time in their life. Brain development during those critical years has a lasting impact on a child’s ability to learn and succeed in school and in life.

Children without access to quality child care and early learning experiences may enter Kindergarten unprepared.

To discuss what’s being done in Kentucky to ensure that children aren’t being left behind, KET’s Renee Shaw hosts a town hall-style conversation about the importance of early childhood education with lawmakers, policy makers, educators and early childhood care providers. Early Learning: A KET Forum airs Monday, April 22 at 9/8 pm on KET.

Shaw will moderate a panel of participants, which includes:

  • Linda Hampton, Executive Director, Governor’s Office of Early Childhood
  • Jay Brewer, Superintendent, Dayton Independent Schools
  • State Senator Danny Carroll, CEO, Easterseals West Kentucky
  • Mary Jolly, Community Health Manager, Louisville Metro Department of Public
    Health and Wellness
  • Bill Buchanan, Office of Special Education and Early Learning, Kentucky Department of Education
  • Mike Hammons, Senior Director, Advocacy for Children, Inc.Brenda Hagan, Owner, Crocus Academy
  • Whitney Stevenson, Associate Director of Early Childhood Education, Fayette
    County Public Schools
  • June Widman, Executive Director, Eastern Kentucky Child Care Coalition
  • Alice Nelson, Family/Community Early Childhood Coordinator, First 5 LEX

The program also includes video segments highlighting the importance of early childhood education and parents’ perspectives on the value of early educational experiences for their children.