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DSS to Host Monthly Web Cast Wednesday, December 9

National expert to discuss best practices in early childhood programs

December 03, 2009

The Department of Social Services (DSS) will host a Web cast Wednesday, December 9, focused on Best Practices in Early Childhood Programs. It is the fourth in a series of monthly Web casts and part of the agency's efforts to foster leadership and innovation in social service delivery, increase savings and efficiencies and improve client outcomes.

December's Web cast will feature Dr. Katherine Magnuson, Assistant Professor of Social Work at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and member of Harvard University's National Forum on Early Childhood Program Evaluation. Dr. Magnuson will address the current state of knowledge and practice in early childhood programs, with emphasis on those measures that have been shown through research and evidence to produce better outcomes for children.

"Focusing on early childhood intervention and education is a key strategy for DSS in our work to break the cycle of poverty in our state and to ensure that children develop a solid developmental and educational foundation that will provide them with opportunities for success and self-sufficiency in adulthood," said DSS Secretary Kristy Nichols. "Dr. Magnuson's expertise in the area of early childhood programs will further the discussion of the use of evidence-based practices in improving outcomes for vulnerable children in Louisiana."

Members of DSS' Leadership Forum Advisory Board and participants in the Innovation in Louisiana Government Fellowship will join DSS stakeholders and interested members of the public for the Web cast.

The Web cast will be held from 10:30-11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, December 9, 2009. To register as a participant, visit https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/731451178. After registering, participants will receive an e-mail with information about joining the Web cast, which will be accessible via internet or telephone. Opportunities to ask questions will be available through the Go To Meeting Web site. Contact Brandon Reeves at (225) 342-2436 with questions.

For more information about DSS leadership and innovation initiatives, visit www.dss.louisiana.gov/leadership.