On Tuesday the Centre County commissioners issued a proclamation naming October PA Promise for Children Month.

On behalf of the children, their families and the workers educating and caring for children, I thank the commissioners for their leadership and support. The central concept of PA Promise Month is that giving children the best possible start in life reaps benefits not only for those children and families, but also benefits the community in the long run with children doing better in school, graduating from high school, becoming employed and giving back.

Providing excellent early childhood experiences for all children is how we can begin the “upward spiral” that we all hope for to build a thriving county, state and nation. I urge every one of us to use this month to play our part by nurturing and supporting the young children in our lives.

Eileen Wise State College

The writer is executive director of Smart Start-Centre County.