Dr. Ron Ferguson presenting the Basics program to Chattanooga educational and community leaders at Orchard Knob Baptist Church on Friday
photo by Chattanooga Basics
Research shows that 80 percent of brain development happens in the first three years of a child’s life. Harvard professor Ronald Ferguson spoke to Chattanoogans Friday about his 5-point plan to use that time to help prepare children for school.
The campaign centers on five evidence-based parenting and caregiving principles to help parents engage with their young children and reduce the skill gaps that become apparent between children from different socioeconomic backgrounds by age three.
The five core principles of the campaign are:
Maximize love, manage stress;
Talk, sing and point;
Count, group, and compare;
Explore through movement and play; and
Read and discuss stories.
In June a group of Chattanoogans attended the Young American Leaders Program at Harvard University, which featured a presentation about the Basics program. Challenged to take on a project, the group decided to bring this program to Chattanooga.
By combining forces with existing nonprofits like the Benwood Foundation, the United Way, the Community Foundation, and Chattanooga 2.0, as well as bringing new business and faith community partners to the table, Chattanooga Basics has the potential to complement other successful early childhood education programs in Chattanooga and increase the number of kids who enter kindergarten ready to learn, said officials.
Everyday interactions between children, their parents, and other caregivers provide opportunities to give all children an equal start in life. Every child from every background can benefit from routinely experiencing the core principles of the Chattanooga Basics, said officials.
The Chattanooga Basics initiative is working through a range of institutions to ensure that every parent and caregiver is supported by family and friends to use these practices in everyday life.
“The Chattanooga Basics committee is currently developing an outreach plan to reach as many families in Chattanooga as possible, but will only be successful with strong partners,” said Lesley Scearce, CEO of the United Way of Greater Chattanooga and Chattanooga Basics organizer.
“The best part about the Chattanooga Basics is that anyone can become an evangelist for early learning. Whether you work for a nonprofit, local business, are active in your fraternity, sorority, or neighborhood association, or just want to help make Chattanooga a better city -- we need your help making sure all our kids get off to a great start,” Ms. Scearce said.
More information coming soon at www.ChattanoogaBasics.org.