Why is parent and family education important, for both political parties?
Sue Stepleton: Education is a nonpartisan issue parent and family education [which supports parents and others in being effective first teachers for kids] helps prevent abuse and neglect, provides a jump-start for high-risk families … and strengthens the existing education system. Aside from being the right thing to do, the data make a solid case for the positive economic return on investment of educating children during the earliest years. Parents are their child’s first teachers, and we need to make sure they are well supported3no matter what challenges they might face. • What impact will the 2008 presidential campaigns have on early childhood education and family issues? Jane Callahan: An NBC News report showed education as the third most important election issue in 2008, just behind the economy and the war in Iraq. This election has the potential to significantly increase the prominence of early childhood education and family support issues. If you review the presidential candida
