Governor meets to discuss early childhood education
Posted: 01.14.2013 at 2:14 PM

He wants to expand early education programs in Missouri

Gov. Jay Nixon wants to expand early education programs in Missouri  / File
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(AP) -- Shortly after officially starting his second term, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon has wrapped up a meeting about early childhood education.
  
Nixon says expanding early education programs would help improve academic achievement and opportunities for Missouri children. He called it a "smart investment." Reporters were permitted to observe a discussion Monday in the governor's office that came immediately after the outdoor inaugural ceremony.
  
The Democratic governor met with state Education Commissioner Chris Nicastro, St. Louis Public Schools superintendent Kelvin Adams and Coordinating Board for Early Childhood Education Chairman James Caccamo. Also attending was Child Care Aware of Missouri CEO Carol Scott and teacher Linda Smith.
  
Nixon has said the state budget that he presents this month will include new resources for pre-kindergarten and early childhood education programs.

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