“Nothing Happens Until People Start Talking”

Early Childhood Education: Finding a Path Forward

Tuesday, February 19, 2008
11:45 am - 1:15 pm
The Grove Hotel, Boise

No one denies that Idaho’s future rests, ultimately, on its youngest citizens. But how early and by whom should they be educated? Idaho lawmakers differ over the potential cost of that education and whether it's best provided by schools, families or both. Is there a middle ground? Two legislative task forces have studied the issue. 

On Feb. 19, a child development expert and two policymakers will express their points of view, including how the Idaho House and Senate may differ.  

Dr. Dean Cloward, professor of Early Childhood Special Education and school psychologist at BYU-Idaho, has six children, ages 6 to 17. He has served on state and local education committees in Nevada and Idaho and in the armed forces.

Rep. Janice McGeachin was on the House Family Task Force and serves on the H&W and JFAC committees. A business owner and mother of two, she is on the Eastern Idaho Community Action board, which oversees a Head Start program.   

Sen. Tom Gannon chairs the Senate Early Childhood Development Task Force and the Agriculture Committee, and serves on the Education Committee. A retired naval officer, he has two grown sons.

Note: The City Club of Boise makes every effort to keep forums affordable for all, but due to higher catering fees, lunch now costs $2 more for members and non-members.  

Deadline for Reservations: Noon, Thursday, February 14

Forum Chair: Dick Gardner Forum Underwriter: Idaho Voices for Children

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