Lt. Governor highlights early education on tour

Lt. Gov. Patty Judge came to Osceola Feb. 16 with two things on her mind: creating jobs and investing in the future of Iowa's children.

Judge is focusing on these goals and "moving Iowa forward" with a tour around the state.

"Despite the recession and serious flooding in 2008, there are things we can do to keep moving forward," she said. "Even in this difficult economic situation, we can't let up on our commitment to education and that includes early childhood education."

Judge toured the Village Early Childhood Center in Osceola, where fun activities are encouraged in the learning process.

"We're giving them new ways to have fun while learning," Executive Director of The Village Early Childhood Center Monica Garner said.

Judge then watched a group of children as they learned their alphabet through song and dance. The program called, "I am moving, I am learning," is part of the Head Start federal curriculum.

The program is also a way to address childhood obesity by increasing physical activity every day and promoting healthy food choices.

During the stop, Judge talked about the Culver/Judge Administration’s commitment to expanding Iowa’s voluntary preschool program.

“Our children deserve the very best,” said Judge. “To ensure that they have the tools and resources they need to succeed in the future, their education must begin as soon as possible."

Osceola Mayor Fred Diehl said the facility has made great progress under the direction of Garner.

"This lady has really changed things around," said Diehl.

The Village's preschool has grown in the past years from 69 children to 159. Garner said only five of those kids pay private tuition.

Judge said she was impressed with the facility and its progress.

"I love to hear the stories about when it works," said Judge after listening to how the facility has improved. "We have a fantastic system of four-year-old preschools and I really wanted to highlight that with this tour."