College of Education and Human Development

Key Leaders Consider Virginia's Early Learning Workforce

Key leaders from throughout Virginia convened at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond this week to discuss "Upskilling Virginia's Early Learning Workforce."

Representatives from the business, education, and government sectors gathered to affirm the critical importance of early childhood education to Virginia's future and, consequently, the need to ensure that caregivers and teachers of young children are a well-prepared and supported workforce. 

The event was hosted by the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation (VECF) and the Virginia Chamber of Commerce.

Mark R. Ginsberg, dean of the College of Education and Human Development at George Mason University and VECF board member, facilitated the discussion among many of Virginia’s influential elected and appointed officials, including:

• Lt. Governor Ralph S. Northam
• William A. Hazel, Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Resources
• Anne Holton, Secretary of Education
• Steven R. Staples, Superintendent of Public Instruction
• Peter Blake, Director, State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV)

Other senior members of the administration and Virginia General Assembly participated in the discussion as did leaders from higher education institutions and major corporations in the state. Those providing a national perspective included Lisa Guernsey of the New America Foundation; Ron Haskins of the Brookings Institution; and Albert Wat of the National Governor’s Association.

 

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About CEHD

George Mason University's College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) includes two schools: the Graduate School of Education, one of the most comprehensive education schools in Virginia, and the School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism. CEHD offers a full range of courses, certificates, and degree programs on campus, online, and on site to more than 4,000 students each year. CEHD is fully accredited by NCATE and all licensure programs are approved by the Virginia Department of Education. George Mason University, located just outside of Washington, DC, is Virginia's largest public research university.

For additional information:

• CEHD Communications: cehdnews@gmu.edu
• Graduate School of Education: gse.gmu.edu
• Early Childhood Education program: gse.gmu.edu/eced

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