policy and advocacy
Steps to Art Early Childhood Arts Education Initiative
While research confirms a strong link between exposure to the arts at an early age and academic performance, little or no federal funding is earmarked for arts education programs targeting the more than four million children enrolled in preschool. To help young children put their best foot forward with the arts, Steps to Art was formed through our collaboration with children's musician Laurie Berkner and children's shoe manufacturer Elefanten USA.
Launched in August 2002, Steps to Art raised funds and awareness for preschool arts education through the sale of an exclusive compact disc (CD) called Bumblebees & Googleheads, featuring fun songs from Laurie Berkner.
All proceeds from the CD were used to fund preschool arts education initiatives at the local level.