    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book I)]
    [April 2, 2002]
    [Pages 534-535]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following a Roundtable Discussion With Early Childhood Education
    Experts in Media, Pennsylvania
    April 2, 2002

        I just finished a discussion about early childhood development. I
    want to thank the experts and the teachers and the soon-to-be teachers
    and those who are running Head Start programs for sharing their
    knowledge with Secretary Paige and me.
        One thing is for certain: In order for all Americans to realize the
    American Dream, we've got to make sure every child has the necessary
    foundation to be good readers, good writers, good comprehenders, which
    means that this Nation must do a better job of focusing our education
    strategy on early childhood development programs.

    [[Page 535]]

        We've got to encourage parents to be good readers, good nurturers
    for their children. We've got to work with Head Start centers to make
    sure that they've got the curriculum necessary to teach every child the
    building blocks for reading. We've got to work with States, to encourage
    States to develop a strategy that will help focus time and attention and
    resources on the programs that will not only give children the basics
    for reading but give children the essential nourishment so that they can
    become ready to compete in the public school system in America.
        I assured our panelists here that while I'm spending a lot of time
    on making sure America is safe and secure, that this initiative is a
    crucial initiative. It's an essential part of completing the education
    reforms that Senator Kennedy and
    Congressman Boehner and both Republicans and
    Democrats worked on last year and I had the honor of signing.
        So this is a great initiative and a wonderful group of Americans
    that are here to discuss this. I'm real proud of your work. I want to
    thank you for your care and compassion for our fellow citizens.
        Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 2:33 p.m. in the Commons/Athletic Center at
    Pennsylvania State University, Delaware County.