An Action Plan for Springfield's Youngest Children
Abstract
"Among its many assets, Springfield can count a city government committed to children’s welfare, as well as many groups, agencies, and institutions which provide a range of services to its children. The mayor has convened an early childhood commission and the City Council has passed a resolution requiring that every new school built must include early childhood facilities. The School Department is working with child care providers to create more effective transitions to public kindergarten, along with other outcomes. The city has been successful in securing millions of dollars in state and federal aid to provide an array of services to needy children and their families. Services include programs for newborn home visiting, early education and care, parent education and support, family literacy, and health care. Many creative and successful programs have been launched to address the needs of families and children.
However, despite the best efforts of government, business, health care, human services, education, community organizations and families to provide programs and services for them, too many young children in Springfield do not have what they need to prosper, learn, and grow strong."
To read the Action Plan, please view the attached PDF.
