Let's Hear it for Arts & Early Childhood Education!
Both are Essential to Making (and Keeping) Cleveland Cool

If the headline caught your eye and you're reading this you are probably passionate about the arts and kids. You may already value how important the arts are and care about programming for tiny tots. Did you ever stop and think about the link? A link that benefits today's children, the region and tomorrow's future? Personally, socially... and even economically?

Documented by research, including the National Association of Education for Young Children (NAEYC), "high quality early education produces long-lasting benefits." Yet sometimes it seems early childhood education is perceived as tantamount to caregiving (e.g. food, water, shelter, etc.). A quality early childhood program/education must include much more than meeting one's basic needs. It begs for a curriculum keeps children active, engaged and inquisitive. And the arts are certainly a great way, if not the best way, to accomplish that.

What about the link between a quality early childhood education and the arts?

Have you watched a young child move to the beat of music? Seen a child’s eyes light up because of the bright colors presented to them? According to recent reports from the National Association of Young Children, even before children can speak, they can move, gesture, and respond to sound, color and rhythm. An arts based curriculum provides the opportunity to learn today and develop skills for tomorrow. Through an arts education, children acquire the abilities to:

* Express and interpret understandings of their world
* Healthily express emotions, conflicts and needs
* Make connections between disciplines/subject matter
* Use feedback to improve performance, as well as obtain self confidence
* Work collaboratively with others to accomplish a common goal

Aren’t these the type of skills that are needed for the workforce? The type of skills needed to provide leadership in the 21st century here in Cleveland?

In tandem with what we know about a quality early childhood arts education, the effect of this impact on today’s economy have also been documented.

A recent report released by the state of Ohio stated the following economic news:

* The early care and education industry generates $1.95 billion annually and provides almost 57,000 jobs
* Early care and education benefits all industries in the state by enabling parents to work productively outside the home and attend higher education programs to update their skills
* Early care and education lays the groundwork for Ohio’s future economic success by preparing future generations for success in school and in life, and by attracting business to Ohio’s skilled workforce

The economic benefits of the arts and cultural community are just as strong.

Recent information from the Ohio Arts Council noted the economic impact of the arts (some of which might seem like no-brainers, but tend to get pushed aside in context of budgetary constraints, etc.):

* Architecture, broadcasting, recording, photography, movies, theatrical productions, books and software products contribute 6% to our gross national product – more than the food, apparel, chemical and refining industries combined
* The arts promote tourism
* The arts are a prime consideration in corporate relocation. A national survey conducted by the Conference Board, an organization of top corporate officials that tracks economic trends, found the availability of cultural activities ranked third among the concerns of large businesses
* The arts revitalize neighborhoods and encourage new investment

Through arts programs for kids, we support today’s economy and prepare children to gain skills, which are imperative to tomorrow’s workforce.

The arts, early childhood education and economic development…the link is clear…isn’t the investment worthwhile?

From the research, personal and professional experiences, I vote a resounding “yes”.

So, show up, both for the arts and early childhood programs in Cleveland. Where to start? Check out the following resources:

ArtsCollinwood: http://www.ArtsCollinwood.org.

Beck Center for the Arts: http://www.BeckCenter.org.

Cleveland Orchestra: http://www.ClevelandOrchestra.com.

PlayhouseSquare: http://www.PlayhouseSquare.com.

Passport Project: http://www.PassportProject.org.

Starting Point: http://www.Starting-Point.org.

University Circle: http://www.UniversityCircle.org.

Young Audiences of Northeast Ohio: http://www.YANEO.org.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Jeannie Fleming-Gifford, M.A. fleminggifford@yahoo.com

Editor's Note: Fleming-Gifford also works for another one of these great local arts resources, the Fine Arts Association: http://www.FineArtsAssociation.org.
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