Raising Our Next Generation

By Sherri Edwards, Dubuque County Empowerment

Are you puzzled about how to raise kids? It can be a challenge in today’s times. With this booklet, Empower Dubuque wants to help connect you to basic information that will increase your knowledge and enhance your skills while caring for children. We also want to link you with services and resources in our community. Caring for children is everyone’s responsibility. A goal of Empower Dubuque is to get all citizens in our county excited about raising the next generation.

We believe healthy and successful children benefit the whole community. Did you know that Iowa ranks second in the nation with 71.3% of children under age six living in families where both parents work (U.S. Census Bureau, 2002)? Many families use childcare in centers, family homes, preschools, or other situations provided by friends and neighbors. Ensuring quality in early care is a top priority.

The benefits are real. Studies show quality early care better prepares children to start school, score higher on tests, and require less special education. It also increases high school graduation rates; increases the likelihood of college education; improves employment opportunities; reduces crime; and enhances quality of life (Early Care and Education Collaborative, Communications Consortium Media Center). There are economic benefits as well. For every $1 invested in early care, over $7 is returned to the community (Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis). Quality early care improves productivity of working parents while strengthening our whole community.

Would you like to learn more about our efforts? Empower Dubuque functions almost solely through the support of committed volunteers. There are many ways to get involved and make a difference. For more information, write to info@ empowerdubuque.org or P.O. Box 3039, Dubuque IA 52004-3039. Won’t you help raise healthy and successful children to ensure a brighter future for us all?