BUSINESS SUPPORT FOR SCHOOL READINESS

Business Likes Promise of Education Reform
"We have to educate our way to a better economy," says Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. The man who controls billions of dollars in stimulus funds is looking to business for support with school reform. So far, business likes what it is hearing, according to this report in the Chicago Tribune.

Business Breakfast Focus on Building Critical Thinkers
A captivated audience of business and chamber leaders, elected officials and foundation supporters listened as Dr. Derek Cabrera and Donna Klein discussed the critical thinking skills required for business in the 21st century and why investing in the talent pipeline begins at birth at Fairfax Futures’ Business Partners’ Roundtable Breakfast on May 19 in McLean, Va.

Business Leader Promotes Early Childhood Education
Katherine Busser, executive vice president at Capital One Financial Corp. and chairwoman of the Greater Richmond Chamber, is also one of Virginia's most outspoken supporters of early childhood education. An adviser to two governors and multiple business and civic organizations, learn how Busser is working to expand opportunities for children in this Richmond Times-Dispatch profile.

Preschool a 'Proven Investment'
Business advocates continue to urge support for early childhood education. In this editorial, Glenn Kinard, regional president of PNC Bank and former Fairfax Futures board member, called the Virginia Preschool Initiative a "proven investment." Kinard added, "The most fiscally conservative among us should leap at a chance to capitalize on those kinds of returns, even during a recession."

2009 Best Companies Revealed
Fortune magazine considered family-friendly policies such as on-site child care, telecommuting and encouragement to balance work and personal life in selecting its 100 Best Companies to Work For. See which Northern Virginia companies made this year's cut.

Fairfax Futures’ Executive Director Highlights Business Role
Employers throughout Fairfax County recognize that a high quality K-12 educational system is key to the continued economic strength of our community. What many may not know is that 85-90 percent of a child's social, emotional and intellectual foundation is already in place by age five, the year that most children are just entering kindergarten. – more

U.S. Chamber: Seize the Opportunity
"Improving early learning programs" is one of the most promising opportunities for reform in the current economic crisis, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber outlines its vision in its 2009 "The State of American Business" report.

Interview with Keith Turner, senior vice president at West Group

Interview with William D. Lecos, President and CEO of the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce on business support for early childhood education.

Helping Them Grow Up Great
Giving children from birth to age five a great start in life is the goal of PNC's 10-year, $100 million program Grow Up Great. The company takes school readiness to a new level through grants, sponsorships, communications and volunteerism across the country, including the Washington, DC metropolitan area.

Push for Pre-K Accelerates in Region
Area business, education and government leaders gathered at Fairfax Futures' School Readiness Leadership Forum on Sept. 15 said they are supporting expansion of pre-K programs despite the slowing economy and strained school budgets.

Hot Off the Presses
The Washington Business Journal reports on a new corporate-nonprofit initiative to improve area pre-K programs. With a goal of raising $1 million annually for four years, co-chair Craig Pascal of PNC calls the effort "a preventive, proactive approach" to a better prepared workforce.

Boeing Helps Next Generation Soar
Through a generous grant to Fairfax Futures, Boeing is supporting a mentoring program to help family child care providers work in partnership with parents to build young children's social, emotional and cognitive skills - the skills needed for success in school and in the workforce. The program combines the use of an early childhood education curriculum with mentoring and additional resources to help family child care providers in Fairfax County increase their capacity to support young children's school readiness.

See Who Made Our A-list
Investments in school readiness contribute to the region's economic strength and quality of life. Meet 15 firms that have taken a leading role as Business Partners in the Fairfax Futures' School Readiness Network and are helping young children enter kindergarten ready to succeed.