Docs For Tots: A Nationwide Network of Doctors Advocating for Young Children George L. Askew, MD, FAAP Founder and Executive Director Kate Irish Programs Manager National Governors Association Center for Best Practices Governors Forum on Quality Preschool Orlando, Florida December 15, 2003 Background and History of DFT Founded in March 2003 Grew out of a personal desire to have a greater impact on patients health by advocating and promoting policies that improve child well-being Based on the belief that children's doctors, and the medical profession in general, should do more to become a more resounding, broad-based influential advocacy voice for children beyond clinical practice walls Mission of Docs For Tots The Mission of Docs For Tots is to develop, support and grow a nationwide network of doctors who respond to the requests of child advocacy organizations and others who request doctor participation in promoting policies and practices that improve the well-being of our youngest children. Why are doctors an important voice when promoting a Preschool agenda? Doctors can bring their own experience as doctors to highlight the unique needs of young children. Individually and as a group, doctors have the ability to influence public opinion and policy on the local, state and national level. Doctors can partner with advocacy groups to participate in and support specific initiatives, like promoting Pre-kindergarten. Why do doctors care about Preschool? Long-term research studies link quality early education programs to important child outcomes: Lower special education rates Lower grade retention rates Higher achievement test scores Higher high school graduation rates Higher post secondary enrollment rates