Summit on Childhood Success set for Tuesday

The United Way of the Ouachitas, in partnership with First Step and Child Care Aware, are presenting the “Summit on Childhood Success” from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday in the Frederick Dierks Building at National Park College.

Experts in health and education will examine the status of young children in the community and how to set the course for a healthy and productive future. More than a third of Garland County children live in poverty, and the percentages are even higher in Hot Springs.

Kim Davis, program office for the Walton Family Foundation, will kick off the summit with a keynote address, “Arkansas: The State We’re In,” followed by a response panel comprised of elected officials.

Pam Toler, regional coordinator for Arkansas State University Childhood Services, will present the story of early brain development and the importance of early childhood education. Jean Manzella, APRN of Healthy Connections, will highlight the need to support women through pregnancy and childbirth for healthy outcomes.

A series of breakout sessions after lunch will help participants process the information from the morning sessions. The closing speech will be delivered by Angela Duran, campaign director of the Arkansas Campaign for Grade Level Reading. Duran holds a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

Registration for the conference is $20, including lunch and certification of six contact hours in early childhood/primary education for continuing education purposes. Participants can register online at https://www. unitedwayouachitas.org or pay at the door.

Call Jane Browning at 501623-2505 or email jane.browning@unitedway.org for more information.