Mayor Andy Berke was joined on Monday afternoon by fellow regional mayors of the surrounding areas and Signal Centers to discuss the importance of early childhood education and Mayor Berke’s Baby University initiative. The Regional Mayor’s Luncheon is an opportunity for the mayors to discuss local issues and best practices.
Signal Centers Executive Director Donna McConnico shared info with the group about early childhood development, stating that 80 percent of a child’s brain develops between the ages of one and three.
She noted this is long before a child ever enters a kindergarten classroom.
Across the United States, less is invested in early childhood education than any other area, meaning that children who start behind have a hard time catching up. The Baby University initiative is a step in the right direction towards reaching children early and creating better communities.
“A strong community understands that every child should have the chance to enter kindergarten ready to learn. We can’t be surprised if our young people have problems as teenagers when they entered kindergarten behind their classmates," said Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke. "Through initiatives like Baby University, we are putting the necessary work in to help kids get off to a good start in life.”
The Baby University initiative has had a successful first year with 80 families participating. While reviewing the initiative’s specific goals this afternoon, Ms. McConnico highlighted the following milestones:
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33 births have occurred and none of the babies had a low birthweight
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12 teenage mothers all remained in school or graduated
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Over the course of the year 30 families have found new employment
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18 families have improved their housing situations
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28 children have received car seats
Ms. McConnico said, “Baby University wouldn’t have happened without Mayor Berke’s influence. Having the support of the Mayor makes all the difference.”
Officials attending the luncheon with Mayor Berke included Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger, Monteagle Mayor Marilyn Campbell Rodman, Collegedale Mayor Katie Lamb, Soddy Daisy Mayor Rick Nunley, Dunlap Mayor Dwain Land, Rossville Mayor Teddy Harris and Dade County Chief Executive Ted Rumley.