This is a big week for New Hampshire. This week, the Democratic presidential candidates are back in the Granite State, and I am excited to hear how they will prioritize kids, if elected.
As a Save the Children Action Network advocate, I have been on the campaign trail for over a year asking every candidate I can how they would invest in kids. I have spoken with Sen. Bernie Sanders, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Sen. Michael Bennet and Andrew Yang – but there are still candidates I need to hear from.
I am also a parent, a grandmother and a retired nurse who has witnessed the impact early learning has on children. Did you know that most of a child’s brain is developed by the age of 5? In fact, children develop approximately 700 neural connections per second in their early years.
This is why I have been mobilizing in support of kids. Early learning needs to be prioritized, and I hope to hear the candidates talking about this crucial issue this week at town halls and on the debate stage. Children are the future of not only our state, but also of our nation.
I urge presidential candidates to share how they will specifically invest in early childhood education if elected.
This is an issue that needs to be discussed. My vote depends on it.
BARB SOUTHARD
Bradford