Here’s a great activity for families and for early education and care programs in Massachusetts:
Gather glitter and glue, feathers, mini pompoms, and construction paper.
Ask the children in your lives or programs to use these and other materials to make Rising Stars.
Send the stars to Governor Charlie Baker by Friday, February 13th, 2015. Even sooner is better. His address:
Governor Charlie Baker
State House, Room 280
Boston, MA 02133
Why now? Baker is putting together his state budget proposal for fiscal year 2016, and Rising Stars remind elected officials how important early education and care programs are for closing the academic achievement gap and preparing children for lifelong success.
Massachusetts is facing a significant budget shortfall, so Baker will have to make hard choices. But even in tough financial times, it makes sense to invest in expanding access to programs, improving quality, and building a stronger workforce because research shows that every $1 invested in early education can yield an $8 return.
We’ve posted instructions and templates for the Rising Stars program. There’s also a link to this information on our home page.
Older children in the K-3 grades can fill out their own Rising Star. Please make sure they complete both sides.
Adults can send letters to Governor Baker. We’ve posted sample letters for people who are earning early education credentials as well as for those who want to express their general support for early education and literacy efforts.
Please fill out and send your participation form to us at:
Laura Healy
Strategies for Children
400 Atlantic Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
Active on social media? Take pictures of the Rising Stars and put them on Twitter. Tweet Governor Baker @MassGovernor, and use the hashtag, #MARisingStars.
For more information about Rising Stars of Massachusetts please contact Laura at 617-330-7389 or lhealy@earlyeducationforall.org.
And remember, the deadline for sending your stars is Friday, February 13, 2015.
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