MUNCIE — The fate of a child might be set by the time she or he reaches 5 years old. That statistic and getting children kindergarten-ready led the battle cry at the first-ever Indiana Summit, hosted Tuesday by Muncie's BY5at the Horizon Convention Center.
Some of the state's most influential lawmakers and policymakers were among the more than 500 people from 49 counties to hear experts say 90 percent of the brain is developed by age 5, making it essential that communities have accessible, high-quality early childhood intervention opportunities, according to a release. The brain's ability to make full cognitive connections will largely determine the kind of adult they become.
Legislators from around the state spent the day soaking up information and leaving armed with new data to help make the case for extended funding for pre-kindergarten initiatives, said Sen. Dennis Kruse (R-Auburn), chairman of the Senate Education Committee. "It's too early to know," he said about whether the Indiana General Assembly will support added funding. "But this is the place to start."
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz stopped by toward the end of the day to plug pre-kindergarten. House Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis) pledged his personal support to seeking additional funding for the cause.
Sen. Tim Lanane (D-Anderson) and Rep. Sue Errington (D- Muncie) said they were encouraged that there appeared to be growing bipartisan support. Bosma closed out the program saying progress won't come easy but encouraged the crowd "don't give up!"
Judy Cameron, a professor of neuroscience from the University of Pittsburgh, told the crowd the parts of the brain used the most develop better. Parents, day care providers, teachers and the community in general all have a role to play. "I'm impressed with what you're doing here," she said. "Encouraging sturdy brain development is a community activity."
BY5 is a growing local movement promoting childhood education at the earliest possible stage, a step that may represent the single greatest link to ensuring a vigorous economic future for any community, the release stated.