Early Childhood Education Subject Of Breakfast

Information from Solano County:

The importance of early childhood education – and how Solano County is preparing its young people for the future – will be featured at the Solano Economic Development Corporation’s May 24 breakfast event.

First 5 Solano Children and Families Commission will host the program which begins at 8 a.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fairfield.

Keynote speaker will be Catherine Atkin, Executive Director of Preschool California.  She will be introduced by Matt Regan, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Bay Area Council.

“This is the third year EDC has teamed with First 5 Solano to bring this important issue to center stage,” Sandy Person, president of Solano EDC said.

“Early childhood education is critical, and its success requires the full support of not only educators but families, the private sector and local government. We in Solano have worked diligently these past few years to create a long term program which will pay tremendous dividends for our future.”

The Solano 2012 Family-Friendly Business Awards will also be presented during the program, sponsored by the Alliance of Business for Children.   

"The Solano Alliance of Business for Children (ABC) has been invaluable in strategically strengthening and deepening our partnerships with businesses, chambers of commerce and economic development collaboratives in Solano County," said Dana Dean, First 5 Solano Commission Chair. 

"The Solano ABC partnerships founded the Family-Friendly Business Awards, now an annual First 5 Solano Program.  Employee-nominated businesses are being honored for having family-friendly business practices that make it possible to balance the demands of family and work, resulting in stronger families and a stronger economy."

Each year Solano companies are recognized for their workplaces which encourage family participation in a child’s development.  Employees nominate their companies for recognition of their programs which support working families.

This year’s winners include:  Ball Metal Beverage Corporation; Genentech; Jelly Belly Candy Company; Kaiser Permanente; Meyer Corporation and State Farm Insurance.

Other speakers during the program will be: Jay Speck, Superintendent of Solano County Office of Education; and Dilenna Harris, executive director of Solano County Library Foundation.

Cost is $25 for EDC members and $35 for non members.  To make reservations contact 707 864-1855 or e-mail pat@solanoedc.org.

The event is sponsored by First 5 Solano and supported by the Solano EDC Chairman Circle Members:  Fairfield-Suisun Sewer District, Syar Industries, Inc., Solano Transportation Authority, Republic Services, Inc., and Solano Garbage Company.