A Message from the President

Investments in child care and early learning result in improved services for children, families, early childhood teachers, other persons working in the field, not to mention the citizens of Florida. Nationally, approximately 69 percent of children ages birth to five are in some type of non-parental care. In Florida, this means that more than 700,000 children require one form of child care or another. State level support services are integral to the success of quality child care and school readiness outcomes. To ensure success, knowledgeable, reliable, responsive professionals must work to provide accurate policy and operational information. A coordinated system of services is critical to achieving the goal of accessible, affordable, high-quality child care and early learning experiences for children. Overarching support of and assistance to local efforts is necessary for the provision of a seamless child care and early learning system.

Through various programs, special projects, events and publications, Children's Forum staff provide services for families, providers and communities. Our goal is to improve quality in all settings by supporting state and local governments and a sound system of care. Forum staff members are proud to work on behalf of all early childhood stakeholders to support the work of child care and early learning providers. We are grateful for the opportunity to work side-by-side with our fellow colleagues in the industry who work daily to support children and families in Florida.

Phyllis K. Kalifeh
President