Arizona Advocates Promote ECE Bill

09/07/2006

Arizona Advocates Promote ECE Bill

When the trust account is high, communication is easy, instant, and effective.
Stephen Covey

Early childhood advocates in Arizona are seeking to qualify a measure for the November ballot that would raise tobacco taxes to pay for a variety of services for preschool children reports Education Week (August 9, 2006; www.edweek.org). The measure, the Arizona Early Childhood Development and Health Initiative, which is backed by the Basha's grocery store chain, would increase tobacco taxes by 80 cents, raising the total tax on cigarettes to $1.98 a pack.

The proceeds from the tax, which could be as high as $150 million per year, would be spent on local and regional services for young children, including health screening, early development services, and preschool. Information and training would be made available to Arizona parents, and grants would be distributed to existing private and faith-based providers to improve programs.

Practical Parenting Resources. Karen Stephens has compiled for Exchange a wealth of short and practical advice columns for parents. These Parenting Exchange columns have been compiled into a series of 11 CDs covering topics such as Discipline, Guidance, Temperament; Work/Life Issues; Family Routines: Play and Leisure; Nature Connections and Pets; Fears: Anxiety Related to Death, Tragedy, or War; Learning, Brain Development, Literacy, and Creativity; Health, Nutrition, Safety, Hospitalization, Preventing Abuse; Toddler & Twos Developmental Issues; Attachment and Self Esteem; Friendship, Social Skills, Manners; Parenting: Being a Mom, Dad, or Grandparent. These resources can be ordered CLICK HERE

For more information about Exchange's magazine, books, and other products pertaining to ECE, go to www.ccie.com.