Lake County Legislative Forum for Early Childhood Education

Local legislators will hear from parents, teachers, and policy experts about the vital importance of early childhood education to children and families in these difficult times at the Week of the Young Child Community Forum in Mundelein. In addition to an Advocate Voices Panel noted below, the audience will be able to participate in a Q & A session with the legislators and speakers in attendance.

“We have tremendous programs and services for young children in Lake County, but in these challenging economic times, resources are dwindling and the need is increasing”, said Lea Anne Frost, President of the Lake County Child Care Coalition.  “If our goal as a community is to ensure that every child in every community is healthy, eager to learn and ready to succeed when they start school, every adult in every community needs to be working together to make that happen.”

Who: The event is organized by the Early Childhood Advocates Alliance, a coalition of local and statewide organizations dedicated to the promotion and protection of high quality early childhood care and education in Lake County.

Elected Officials and Candidates expected to attend:
Rep. Sid Mathais
Rep. Rita  Mayfield
Dr. Arie Friedman
    Sam Yingling
    Julie  Morrison
    Lennie Jarrett
    Scott Drury
    Brad Schneider
    Melinda Bush
    Joe Neal
    Barbara Wheeler
    Amanda Howland

“Advocate Voices” Panel:
Jack Melfi, Principal, Round Lake Early Education Center
 Roni Weiss, Lake County Health Department, North Shore Community Health Center, Highland Park
Vertina Charles, Cubbies Christian Day Care, Wadsworth
Martina Rocha, Parent
Jane Talesnick, Highland Park/Highwood Home Child Care Association
Jessica Curry, Paul K. Kennedy  Child Care Center, North Chicago

Moderator:
Lea Anne Frost, Ed D
Assistant Superintendent of Instruction, Special Education District of Lake County

When: Saturday, April 28, 8:30-11:00 a.m.

Where: DoubleTree Hotel, 510 E. Rte. 83, Mundelein, IL