There’s a push on to get more young kids in the Flint area signed up for early childhood education programs.
The state Legislature approved special funding to expand early childhood education programs in Genesee County, as part of the state’s response to Flint’s lead-tainted drinking water.
Lisa Hagel is the superintendent of the Genesee Intermediate School District. She says many three- and four-year-olds would benefit from the education and nutrition program, but they don’t know where those kids are.
“That is where efforts door to door are so important,” Hagel says. “We just don’t know who we don’t know about.”
Hagel hopes to sign up dozens of new children for the program this summer.
To help spread the word, Lt. Gov. Brian Calley toured an early education center in Flint today.
Calley says the programs will provide education and nutrition programs for three- and four-year-olds.
“When kids have access to early childhood education…their longer term prospects for success are better,” Calley told reporters.
Calley says that’s especially important for children exposed to lead in their drinking water.
