On September 29, 2008, the CAYL Schott Fellows presented a Roundtable on transporting young children in the Commonwealth.

September 29, 2008
10:00 AM- 2:00 PM
Community Teamwork
126 Phoenix Ave
Lowell MA, 01852

Background:

In 2004, the Massachusetts state legislature approved a plan to offer universal preschool by 2012 with priority to low wealth districts. Even with the economic downturn, Massachusetts continues to invest in its universal preschool agenda.  While much of the UPK agenda has focused on issues of assessment and curriculum, several national studies reveal that lack of access to transportation has been a chief barrier to participation in universal preschool in other states.

The featured speaker was Bill Eddy, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Association for Early Education & Care (MADCA). 

Panelists included:

Tom Marino, Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care 
Julie Salois, Community Teamwork
Ed Pinero, TransPro
Maria Teixeira, Ellis Memorial
Neveen Salaam, Community Teamwork

Read the press release here: September 29 Summit to address transportation for preschoolers

Media Talking Points

For more information on transportation issues involving young children in Massachusetts, please visit the following websites:

Surface Transportation Policy Partnership:
From the Margins to the Mainstream: A Guide to Transportation Opportunities in Your Community

Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care:
Technical Assistance, Transportation Services
Transporting Children Safely

Massachusetts Department of Public Health:
Children & Families, Early Intervention: Transportation