Toy Company CEO and Senators Speak at the Missouri Capitol

GRANDVIEW, MO, March 23, 2013 (Press-News.org) According to a report released by America's Edge this week, investments in high-quality early childhood education and care provide a boost to Missouri businesses and play a pivotal role in the economic recovery of the state. Participating in a news conference on this topic held on March 5, 2013 in the state's capitol, was Co-CEO and President of U.S. Toy Company, Jonathan Freiden, who spoke about the long-term impact of such education and care on the state's economy and its workforce.

"In today's economy, we need qualified workers with both 'hard' skills and 'soft' skills - such as communication, collaboration and critical thinking," said Freiden. "High-quality learning lays the foundation for the development of those skills."

"Even as our economy recovers, companies are having difficulty finding employees with the skills businesses need to compete in a global economy, which is creating a 'skills gap' across the state," stated Freiden.

The America's Edge report outlines research supporting Freiden's claims, showing that children who participate in quality early learning programs develop the necessary social and emotional skills that translate into highly desired 'soft' skills and that these children, as they age, are more likely to pursue a 4-year degree and earn higher salaries over the course of their professional careers.

All participants at the news conference, including other Missouri business owners and Senators, voiced their support for the rising need of quality early education in the state. They also urged lawmakers to continue their support of high-quality standards in the state's programs focusing on children ages birth to 5 years, including the existing system of licensed child care programs, Head Start programs and preschool facilities.

About Constructive Playthings

Constructive Playthings creates the finest quality early childhood equipment, teaching aids and supplies, ideal for preschools, churches, daycares and other early childhood environments. Founded in 1953 by a teacher at a local church preschool looking for high quality unique toys, games, art supplies and classroom materials, Constructive Playthings is now a third generation family owned business committed to providing thoughtfully designed products that meet or exceed not only all Federal requirements, but our own high standards as well.

Constructive Playthings sister brands include CP Toys (www.CPToys.com) and U.S. Toy (www.USToy.com).

For more information on Constructive Playthings, please visit our website at http://www.ConstructivePlaythings.com.