On August 14, I attended one of the greatest secular meetings I have ever attended. Actually, it was not secular in that many of us in attendance felt the presence of the Holy Spirit as the meeting progressed. The purpose of the meeting was to present a program for at-risk kindergartners in the St. Louis Public Schools. In attendance were Ed Watkins, Dr. Arthur Mallory, Dr. Sue Stepleton, Mrs. Kathy Lambert, Mr. Brad Lambert, Mr. Harlan Pals, Mr. Bob Peters, Reverend Lynn Mims, Ms. Kapree Graves, and Mr. Michael Lause. Representing the MOHELA staff were Mr. Ray Bayer, Will Shaffner, Ms. Mary Stewart, Dr. Jim Matchefts, Scott Giles, and Cheryl Stevens.
Mr. Watkins stated that we have assembled a very credible group and asked the following question: "Wouldn't it be wonderful if on the first day of kindergarten, teachers told their students they expected them to have a post-secondary education?" Dr. Mallory addressed the fact that we have such assembled such smart people gathered with the same goal. He said Dr. Stepleton has a high reputation nationally for her work in "Parents as Teachers. Mallory also stated that research shows the most significant learning and brain development occurs from birth to five years of age. Dr. Stepleton explained that brain development shown in MRIs of babies taken post-birth differed from those exposed to good stimulation and those who were not.
Mr. and Mrs. Lambert are the founders of Connections to Success. Mr. Lambert explained that their program helps those who have experienced homelessness, violence, incarceration, welfare and other tragic events. Lamberts are putting together the program we need to begin excellent education at an early age.
Mr. Pals described "Lifeline," as giving people an opportunity to record milestones in their life. With that program, a person will have a lifetime record of his or her skills and talents.
Reverend Mims closed the meeting with a blessing and prayer that moved each of us. What a meeting!
The MOHELA Board will hear details of the program on September 12.
2 comments:
Interesting meeting to say the least. During my research as a graduate student at UT Arlington I came across several studies relate to early childhood education and it's impact on development. I'd love to share them with you sometime.
What an awesome meeting!
I couldn't agree more with the
research that states that the most
important years for brain development
is between 0 and 5 years of age!!!
I wanted to yell AMEN when I read that!
SO much truth to that!
Some of these children come to
school for the first time and have never
had anyone read to them, sing with them, or just have everyday conversations to help stimulate their brain development. It's heartbreaking.
I'm so happy for the things you are striving for to make life better for the at risk children. :)
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