Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith is wasting no time reaching out to his future constituents ? and right now, he?s focusing on infants and toddlers.
On Thursday, he launched the latest step in a campaign he began soon after taking office to prepare children for school before they get there. He called a new county-sponsored Web site, Focus of the First Years, a “one-stop shop” for all things children.
“The county executive is really dedicated to early childhood development and school readiness,” said Roe Davis, executive director of the county?s local management board. “This is great if you?re calling different agencies and aren?t sure where to go.”
The Web site, created by the board, provides neatly organized access to other sites for the county?s public school system, children?s health, human and social services for children, and children?s library programs.
Jim Fish, director of the public library system, said many residents are unaware of all the programs the county offers its youngest residents. The Web site offers links to information from infant story times to diagnostic testing for learning disabilities to baby walkers.
“So often you have people doing good things, and then you have other people doing good things,” Fish said. “And if you don?t communicate, you lose your leverage on each others? resources.”
Smith established the Early Childhood Action Committee in December 2003.
The Web site is the latest product of Smith?s initiative, which also includes efforts to create early childhood literacy centers in each county library.
Also at the event for the Web site?s unveiling, Health Department Director Pierre Vigilance discussed his top concerns for children?s summer health: sun exposure, pool safety, food handling, bike safety and tick bites.
