Ready, Set, Grow: KCTS town hall special explores the science of early learning

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Seattle’s KCTS aired “Ready, Set, Grow” on May 27, a town hall special about early childhood development. The hour-long primetime special explored the science of brain development in children from birth to age five, and the factors surrounding the process of early learning.

The special featured panel discussions and interviews with doctors, policy makers, child care experts and non-profits and incorporated field stories and audience questions.

“While TV broadcast immediately reaches the most people, community engagement is where the rubber hits the road and we ensure that the materials and information are reaching those who need it most,” said Daphne Adair, Communications Specialist at KCTS. “Plus, KCTS 9 and public television have a long track record of working with community partners […who] are very helpful in getting the word out about our efforts.”

Adair said the special was KCTS’s highest-rated program of the evening and feedback so far has been overwhelmingly positive. The program was also translated into Spanish and aired on KCTS V-me. Videos of the broadcast are available online, where viewers can provide feedback and access other resources.

KCTS hopes that the program will lead to greater awareness in the community of the importance of early learning and the different approaches a parent can take. “Ready, Set, Grow” is evidence of public broadcasting’s important and expanding role in early childhood education.

“For every $1 invested in early learning, we see a $16 return—in taxes, wages and savings,” Adair said. “We know that if kids aren’t prepared to learn, they’re more likely to drop out of school and resort to other activities…We have the power to change that—and public broadcasting has the opportunity and obligation to provide that message to the community.”

More videos are available on the "Ready, Set, Grow" website.