Tuck attends the KIDS COUNT/ KIDS FIRST communities legislative reception

Wednesday, February 25th I attended the reception at the Mariott for the KIDS COUNT and KIDS FIRST communities public awareness campaign for the legislators. This year long campaign is raising awareness about the importance and value of quality child care in our state. The goal is to introduce legislation for a quality rating system for child care centers and child care providers. CHS-Parkersburg is the local contact for a 10 county area for the campaign, since last spring. At the reception I talked with 3 local House of Delegates members, Azinger, Ellem and Poling. I asked their support of the KIDS FIRST goals, and also discussed foster care, early childhood programming, and they all three mentioned the upcoming 30th anniversary of the shelter event this Friday. Unfortunately, none of them can make it, but they were all aware of it, and sent their best wishes. Dan Poling, a newer delegate was very enthusiastic about learning more about CHS; and I hope to maintain good communication with him throughout the session, and back in the community. I also greeted Keith Spears, CHS board president, who was actively meeting with legislators and other key state civic leaders. I saw a few old cohorts in various projects or efforts.