Economic development. A recent
statement by business leaders suggests
that state and federal governments
should invest in quality early
childhood education to improve educational
opportunities for children,
workforce productivity, and economic
growth and to benefit society (BRT &
CVWF 2003).
Pennsylvania has an interest in
similar goals and believes its young
children deserve a good cyberstart (CyberStart 2003) and a chance to
be part of the digital economy. The CyberStart initiative was developed
to address the digital divide, so that all young children enter school
prepared to use technology. The Pennsylvania Department of Community
and Economic Development, in conjunction with the Department of
Public Welfare, administers this multiyear initiative. It has provided computers, software, printers, Internet
access, and training to nearly a thousand
child care centers across the state.