By Karl Turner, The Plain Dealer

August 06, 2009, 1:32PM

"All of you hold your signs up, point them at the cameras there," Commissioner Tim Hagan said. "We'd like that to be the lead on the news."

Awarding money to 23 preschools and child care programs was the biggest news of the hour-long commissioner's meeting.

Deputy Administrator Lee Trotter fist-bumped the kids in the first row.

Rebekah Dorman, director of the county's Invest in Children program, thanked the commissioners for their support.

"Quite simply, young children who we invest in, grow up to be happy and productive adults who contribute to our community, instead of draining it of resources," she said.

The grants, ranging from $16,000 to $290,000, improve the quality of education and pay for scholarships, Dorman said. In its three years, the program has improved cognitive development and literacy skills.

The commissioners voted unanimously to award the grants. Kids, parents and administrators applauded, chanting in unison, "Thank you!"

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