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Smart Start
"I want to maintain as much local
flexibility as possible to meet the different needs
in each of the counties, but our people deserve accountability,"
Easley said. "We must take steps to ensure the
integrity of Smart Start."
-Easley proposes new guidelines for Smart Start; 5/9/01
Raleigh News and Observer
"As much as you have done, we need
you to do more. I'm going to make sure you don't have
to do everything with nothing," Easley told Smart
Start workers holding their annual meeting at Koury
Convention Center.
"If you see a pattern here, the pattern is simply
this: We are investing in product development.... Our
product is people," he said. "The investment
we make in them now will pay off later."
Easley said that the state would continue its financial
commitment during tough economic times that are irrelevant
to children. "It really doesn't matter to a 2-year-old
or a 3-year-old because these young minds are perishable
commodities, and we really can't put them on a shelf
waiting for better economic times."
Easley praised Winston-Salem lawyer Ashley Thrift for
his advocacy of childhood education. "If there's
anyone stronger than Ashley Thrift, I don't know who
it is," Easley said.
-Smart Start money to continue, Easley tells program
educators; 1/29/02 Winston-Salem Journal
"Both Smart Start and More at Four
have my full support. Early childhood development has
been fully debated, studied and internationally recognized
as effective and necessary," he said. "Questioning
that premise is not only outside the scope of an audit
but reflects a misunderstanding of basic educational
and developmental issues."
-Study recommends combining two NC childhood initiative
program; 4/9/03 Associated Press
"Smart Start is the national model
for comprehensive early-childhood initiatives,"
he said. "It would be a shame if our lawmakers
turn their backs on an important program that is making
progress for our state and reverse the tremendous gains
we have made for our young children and families."
-Audit probes Smart Start; 4/11/03 Winston-Salem Journal
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