Raising Children In The Community (NAPSA)—Since the children are our future, it’s important to give them the tools they'll need to lead the way. Unfortunately, even A .. { in America, home to more million- aires and billionaires than any other country, the poorest onefifth of our children only has the 16th-highest standard of living in the developed world. Far too many Americans, especially the young, seem to befalling behind in the race for the American Dream before it’s even begun for them. For the country to thrive, all of our children must have access to the best education and opportunities available. Too manychildren are being held back by circumstances over which they have no control. Social class differences are apparent before the age of two, when the child hasn’t yet seen theinside of a school. Whether at homeor elsewhere, a child needs a nurturing environment to develop his or her abilities to communicate and learn, to manage emotions and to build relationships with grown-ups and other children. Cities and their citizens can help to provide this environment even when loving parents can’t. According to the National League of Cities (NLC), studies indicate It may take a village to raise a child, but a city can do a good job as well. that every dollar invested in early childhood education yields a sevenfold return in long-term benefits to society. The NLCis a national organization representing thousandsof municipal governments throughout the U.S. The mission of the NLCis to strengthen and promote cities as centers of opportunities, leadership and governance. A special entity within the NLC, the Institute for Youth, Education, and Families, helps municipal leaders take action on behalf of the children and families in their communities. For more infor- mation, and to learn how you can be a part of this effort, visit www.nlc.org/iyef.
