Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Lt. Governor Judge Announces Professional Development System for Preschool Teachers
(Boone) – Today, Lieutenant Governor Patty Judge visited preschools in Boone and Carroll to announce funding for an important professional development system for early childhood providers. Led by the Department of Management and the Department of Education, this new system will develop a uniform statewide system to help Iowa’s youngest citizens grow into productive adults.
“A professional development system is being created to provide education and training options for people who care for and educate young children,” said Lt. Governor Judge. “This system is being established to assist practitioners in knowing what’s available to make them better care providers.”
Also today, the Iowa House of Representatives is debating a bill that will bring quality preschool programs with licensed teachers to every school district in the state and make access available for all four-year-olds.
“Governor Culver and I are optimistic that this bill will pass the House and move to the Senate. Governor Culver looks forward to signing this legislation into law,” said Judge.
Steps are already being taken to identify what’s necessary for the creation of a comprehensive professional development system for our state’s early child care, health and education professionals.