Florida's Early Childhood Caucus

Florida's Early Childhood Caucus is a bipartisan group of more than 20 state legislators from both the House and Senate that examine best practice ways to prepare Florida's children for the future. Hosted by state Representative Ari Porth (D-Broward), there have been two Caucuses so far which are usually scheduled each month during interim committee week. During the caucus, Florida lawmakers hear from leading early childhood experts about the importance of investing early in Florida's children. Research proves that preparation for adulthood begins at the earliest stages of child development, between the ages of 0-5.

"A strategic focus on early childhood development in Florida makes sense not only from a public policy standpoint, but also from fiscal, public safety and economic development perspectives," said Rep. Porth. "Consider for example, a recent study that revealed a return to society of more than $17 for every dollar invested in early care and education programs, due to a reduction in future crime."

In addition to hearing from early childhood experts, caucus members learn about proposed legislation aimed at ensuring investments in children are a priority during the 2010 Legislative Session. In the first caucus, held on November 3, Rep. Porth shared details on the "Protecting Florida's Most Vulnerable Citizens Act," which he is sponsoring along with Sen. Nan Rich (D-Broward). The bill seeks to overhaul current state law to require caregivers for children and the elderly to complete their background checks before they begin work, and to close loopholes that have allowed felons to get jobs in daycare and nursing homes.

During the second Caucus on December 9, Florida's Chief Child Advocate, Jim Kallinger, and Dawn Steward, Orange County Healthy Start Coalition Community Relations, both gave presentations. Kallinger's presentation focused on child abuse prevention, topics discussed during the most recent Children and Youth Cabinet meeting, highlights from the Explore Adoption campaign and Florida's statistics on adoption. Florida leads the nation with 3,777 adoptions in Fiscal Year 2008-09. Steward provided compelling data to caucus members on the leading causes of infant deaths in Florida, as well as the short- and long-term costs associated with premature births.

"Our caucus addresses a range of policy issues," said Rep. Porth, "including child health, quality child care, family strengthening, safe communities, screening and interventions for children with special needs, maximizing federal funding for early childhood initiatives, and more. I'm enthusiastic about this bipartisan effort to make a difference in the lives of our youngest Florida residents."

For more information about Florida's Early Childhood Caucus, please contact Dan Daley of Rep. Porth's office at 954-304-6220.

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Florida's Early Childhood Caucus