Pennsylvania Kiwanis members explored the importance of giving children a strong start during a special Lunch and Learn session at the Pennsylvania District of Kiwanis Annual Convention in Gettysburg (August 15).

The session, “Why Early Childhood Education Matters: Brain Science, Business and National Security Perspectives,” brought together leaders from several fields to demonstrate why strong early learning systems benefit not only young children and their families, but Pennsylvania’s communities, workforce, economy and future. Dr. Jennifer Zosh of Penn State Brandywine highlighted the importance of early brain development; Robert Carl, President and CEO of the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce, discussed child care as a workforce and economic issue; Rear Admiral Thomas J. Wilson III, U.S. Navy (Ret.), representing Mission: Readiness – Military Leaders for Kids, shared the national security and military readiness perspective; and Jen DeBell, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children (PennAEYC), described the workforce challenges facing early learning providers across the Commonwealth. The discussion was moderated by Steve Doster, Pennsylvania State Director for Mission: Readiness and ReadyNation.

The session also helped launch an important focus for Pennsylvania Kiwanis in the coming year. As part of its commitment to serving children and strengthening communities, PA Kiwanis will partner with  PennAEYC and ReadyNation / Mission: Readiness to focus its service efforts on strengthening Pennsylvania’s early learning systems, helping members better understand the challenges facing young children, families and early educators while identifying opportunities for local clubs to support this important work.

The conversation reinforced a simple message: when Pennsylvania invests in its youngest children, it invests in stronger families, stronger communities and a stronger future.