By Brenda Brissette–Mata

EAST LANSING -- Virg Bernero, Democratic candidate for governor of Michigan, spoke today at the Sandbox Party convention held at the Breslin Center in Lansing.

To a boisterous crowd of 3,500 parents, grandparents and children, Bernero declared his pride for educators, early childhood providers and parents in Michigan. “Thank you for what you do,” he said.

His wife, Teri, an educator for more than 20 years in Lansing, was at Bernero’s side as he spoke to those who had gathered in support of a Great Start for children ages zero to five.

Delegates arrived from as far away as Escanaba in the Upper Peninsula and four busloads of kids and families from
Lenawee County.

Bernero said it is vital to convince the leaders of Michigan of the importance of early childhood. Michigan needs to consider education an economic development tool, he said.

According to a survey of Michigan teachers, about a third of the state’s children arrive at kindergarten unprepared for learning. Findings from the study are especially important as state lawmakers consider spending cuts to balance next year’s budget.

“We know (programs for children) 0 to 5 work. The facts are there, so let’s invest in our future,” Bernero said.

A growing body of research indicates that getting infants and young children off to a great start pays huge economic benefits, reducing special education, welfare and criminal justice costs, while increasing the number of children who grow up to be productive adults.

The Sandbox Party Convention was sponsored by the Early Childhood Investment Corporation (ECIC), 55 Great Start Collaboratives, more than 70 Great Start Parent Coalitions, Great Start Regional Child Care Resource Centers and Michigan’s early childhood advocate partners. The Sandbox Party is nonpartisan and nonpolitical and looking for commitments from politicians that they maintain early childhood funding.