Statewide Early Education and Care Initiative
Developed for Wisconsin's Children

Wisconsin's future is the focus of a statewide initiative promoting the importance of early education and care for the children of Wisconsin. Child care organizations, state agencies, education programs and many other partners around the state are collaborating to create a public awareness campaign highlighting quality child care, early learning, community support and school readiness.

This campaign has as its desired outcome to increase the awareness of consumers, decision makers and leaders as well as all community members about the importance of high-quality early education and care for young children ages 0 to 8. Research says the early years are critical, the education is the key to success, and that providers of early learning and care are pivotal in high quality. This campaign aims to create understanding and promote community action awareness.

Think Big. Start Small.-Invest early in a child's future has embedded the research findings throughout the campaign with these themes:

• The importance of high-quality child care.
• Recognition of the importance of early learning, which occurs and must be supported in any early childhood setting.
• the important role that the community has in making sure every child has access to high quality early learning and care experiences.

The campaign materials include TV and radio commercials, brochures, flyers, and outdoor billboards. Various phases of the campaign can be seen throughout the state based on the level of local funding available. The materials enhance the theme with these basic messages:

• Learning begins at birth.
• Over 70% of young children spend time in early education and care outside their homes.
• Caregivers trained in early education are critical to building young minds.
• The opportunities we provide to all children today shape who they will become tomorrow.

For more information on the campaign in your area call 1-888-713-KIDS.

For more information on the statewide campaign contact:

Wisconsin Child Care Resource & Referral Network
6314 Odana Road
Madison, WI 53719
608-271-1230

www.thinkbigstartsmall.org