Dr. Wust-Smith, a pediatrician with Cole Memorial Hospital,
notes that she had the honor of collaborating with Dr. T. Berry Brazelton, a
pediatrician from Boston known as the grandfather of developmental pediatrics.
Quoting Dr. Brazelton, Smith notes “Early childhood is both the most critical
and the most vulnerable time in any child’s development...in the first few
years, the ingredients for intellectual, emotional, and moral growth are laid
down. We cannot fail children in these early years”. Dr. Wust-Smith states “it is so important for
children to have access to early childhood education and positive experiences for
their brains to grow and mature both intellectually and emotionally to their
greatest potential”. Bob Esch, Vice
President of External Affairs at American Refining Group and member of the
Pennsylvania Early Learning Investment Commission notes that “the importance of
the first five years of a child’s development is well documented in research.
Children that fall behind during these years are likely to remain behind.
Investing in Children’s first five years will improve the skills of our
workforce, reduce the number of individuals living in poverty and strengthen
our position in the world”.
In effort to promote available early childhood programs,
supports and community resources, The Potter County Early Childhood Team is
planning the first annual Potter County Early Childhood Expo for families with
children birth to kindergarten entry.
Team member, and Commissioner, Doug Morley states that part of his role
is to leverage and support services to assist the citizens of Potter County.
Doug notes that early learning is such an important issue and stresses that
“all citizens play an important role in the development of children. That is
why this expo is so critical. It puts all of the experts in the same room;
parents, grandparents, educators and child serving agencies”.
The Potter County Early Childhood Expo is being sponsored by
JKLM Energy and will be held on Saturday, April 8, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00
p.m. at the Coudersport Elementary School located at 802 Vine Street. The event
is completely free and open to the public. Event highlights include free books
and games and door prize giveaways including kindles and amusement park
tickets. There will also be story time, pre-school science activities, make and
take crafts, and fun games and activities to promote fine motor and gross motor
skills. A visit from Smokey the Bear, snacks and lunch will also be included.
Children will have the opportunity to receive speech/language, vision, dental,
and other developmental screenings. Information and demonstrations on child development
and early learning will be offered and registration for early learning programs
and services will be available. To participate as a vendor or learn more about
the event please call (814) 274-4877.
