Letter to the Editor
Published in the Daily Press, May 11, 2009

To The Editor:

Thank you for your Sunday editorial, “Rescuing children.” Unfortunately, we do not live in an ideal world where all children are loved, nurtured and given guidance as they grow and learn. I believe it does take “a whole village” to raise a child. Working together—public, private and individuals—we can make a difference. We must all become more involved. Our kids need to be accepted and feel that they do indeed “belong.” Starting early is one of the best ways to do this.

I agree with your assertions on addressing the dropout rate and not wasting taxpayer dollars on “poor-quality daycare for children on welfare.” Instead, let’s put our hard-earned money toward programs that are proven to work. Virginia has just over 30 nationally accredited (NAEYC) child care centers—including our own Downtown Hampton Child Development Center, a nonprofit that serves hundreds of “at risk” children. Statistics show that for children attending NAEYC-accredited preschools, 97% graduate from high school and 89% graduate from college. Investing early in our children creates lasting community benefits and ultimately saves tax dollars.

Virginia is working to improve its child-care standards with the development of the new Quality Rating Improvement System. This system will give centers a rating of one to five stars, allowing families to select the best place for their child. We must not forget the words of author Zig Ziglar: “Kids don’t make up 100% of our population, but kids do make up 100% of our future.”

Jaynelle Oehler
Executive Director
Downtown Hampton Child Development Center