Chicago, IL — The following is a statement from Easterseals President and CEO Kendra Davenport on the Week of the Young Child:
“The Week of the Young Child is a reminder that the foundation for everything we talk about—education, economic stability, and the future of our workforce—begins long before a child ever steps into a classroom.
At Easterseals, we see every day how access to high-quality early childhood programs shapes what comes next. These programs help children build critical skills, confidence, and independence from the start. They also provide stability for families, making it possible for parents to work, maintain routines, and support their children’s development.
That's why early identification matters just as much as early education. Through our Make the First Five Count initiative, Easterseals offers families a free, confidential online developmental screening tool that helps parents track their child's progress from birth through age five, and connect to support if concerns arise. Because knowing early makes all the difference.
When that support is there, children are better prepared for school and families are better positioned to succeed. When it’s not, the consequences show up quickly. Families are forced into impossible choices, children miss out on early opportunities, and challenges become harder to address over time.
This week is about celebrating young children, families, and educators. But it should also be a moment to recognize what’s at stake. Early childhood education is one of the most practical, proven investments we can make, not only in children, but in stronger families, more stable communities, and a workforce that is ready for the future.”
