Today Governor McAuliffe signed an Executive Order establishing the Commonwealth Council on Childhood Success and named Lieutenant Governor Northam as its Chair. This new Council will focus on the health, education and well-being of children, from infancy to third grade.
“It is an honor to be named Chair of this Council,” said Northam. “The first few years of a child’s life are undoubtedly some of the most critical to their health and education. Their brains develop quickly and their life experiences have a significant impact on their health, development, and readiness to succeed academically. I look forward to working with a wide variety of experts, business leaders, service providers and advocates to improve the health and education of young children in Virginia.”
The Commonwealth Council on Childhood Success has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive, statewide assessment of relevant programs, services, and local, state, and federal public resources; coordinating with the Children’s Cabinet, which was also established by Executive Order today; and serving as a central coordinating entity to identify opportunities and develop recommendations for improving funding, access, and quality of services – particularly for at risk children.
Additionally, today Governor McAuliffe also signed an Executive Order establishing the Children’s Cabinet, on which the Lieutenant Governor Northam will also serve.