From Tallahassee Democrat: “Madeleine has built effective relationships all across our state—with parents, community organizations, business leaders, state agencies, and legislators. She has the skills and the spirit to help lead us toward even more progress for the children of Florida.”
From Florida Politics: “Ensuring all children get off to a strong start is really the most important work for Florida’s future. I’m honored to play a role in pushing for business practices, public policy, and state investments that support families with young children.”
From The Miami Herald: “The Children’s Movement of Florida, a statewide nonprofit that advocates for early learning and parent support, on Tuesday announced its new president — the first woman and first mother to join the organization’s executive ranks.”
From Early Learning Nation: “I hope we will see legislation in Florida in 2021 that prioritizes children. We are taking aim at enhancing quality early education for all children and at ensuring robust supports for families with young children.”
From Child’s Path: “If nothing else, this pandemic and other disasters…have shown us the absolute essential nature of child care,” said newly elected Sen. Loranne Ausley (D-Tallahassee).
From South Florida Sun Sentinel: “We can start by helping parents with flexible work schedules during these extraordinary times — scheduling in ways that still support the business need but also allow for employees to fulfill personal responsibilities.”
From Miami Herald: “It was a magnificent outpouring of good and caring people building a Movement on behalf of every child in Florida,” wrote Dave Lawrence Jr., board chair and founder of The Children’s Movement.
From The Miami Herald: “Yes, it’s a terrible time, but people are stepping up.” he says. “We’ve seen this especially with organizations who have built relationships with donors who believe in the mission.”
From Early Learning Nation: “Many of us have come to realize that an investment in children is an investment in all of us. These are future workers. They’re going to make our economy work.”
From The Miami Herald: “As chair of the Children’s Movement of Florida, Lawrence has helped expand access to children’s health insurance, education and literacy.”
From South Florida Sun Sentinel: “Through the ReadingPals program, volunteers connect with students from pre-K to second grade in an effort to establish a love for literacy while improving reading and comprehension competence.”
From The Daytona Beach News-Journal: “When students read with their reading mentors, they don’t see it as work, so it is no longer stressful or overwhelming. They begin to love reading.”
From Business Observer: “Seeing that situation, a group of Florida business leaders calling themselves Bosses for Babies are championing the need for additional support for the state’s young children and their parents and caregivers.”
From Tampa Bay Times: “I don’t take for granted knowing how to read. Being able to teach to those younger than me is something I’m dedicated to doing.”
From Tampa Bay Parenting: “Readiness doesn’t mean just knowing the academic basics. It means a child has a willing attitude and confidence in the process of learning: a healthy state of mind.”
From South Florida Sun Sentinel: “Feeling safe and being safe will be the cornerstones of our economic recovery as health and prosperity are inextricably linked.”
From Tampa Bay Times: “The investment is part of a growing business recognition that improving education for preschoolers helps build a more talented and prepared workforce.”
From Community News: “Florida and its business community must take several steps to ensure our early learning system survives the landscape upon which we are embarking.”
