WESTPORT, CT--(Marketwire - May 5, 2009) - The best thing mothers with young children can do this Mother's Day is to give their babies and toddlers early learning experiences, according to Emmy Award-winning "Ugly Betty" actress and Save the Children Artist Ambassador America Ferrera, who spoke with Navajo mothers and young children in Chinle, Arizona yesterday.

Ferrera visited the Navajo Nation to cheer on mothers and children involved in Save the Children's early childhood development programs. Her visit coincided with the global launch of Save the Children's 10th annual "State of the World's Mothers" report, released today, which highlights the importance of investing in early childhood development, starting in infancy, and future school success.

"Seeing this program in person and actually meeting the people touched by Save the Children was an incredible experience," said America Ferrera. "It was so inspiring to see how involved and engaged the parents of the children in the program truly are and how their enthusiasm and dedication positively affects their sons and daughters."

"We are so delighted to have America Ferrera visit our community to champion the benefits of giving children an early start on learning," said Navajo First Lady Vikki Shirley, who has made it her top priority to promote the benefits of early childhood development to families at the Navajo Nation. "Children are our future, and we need to lay the foundations for learning for their future success." Navajo President Joe Shirley, Jr. and his wife, Vikki, hosted Ferrera's visit.

In the report, Save the Children highlights low-cost activities that mothers and caretakers can do to keep children safe, healthy and learning that are virtually the same, whether families live in the Navajo Nation, Nepal or Nicaragua. One activity the report promotes is reading to children regularly, starting from birth.

Ferrera joined mothers and children throughout the day in their daily reading routines and other fun activities that stimulate early learning. During a stop to see 2-year-old Jordan Brown and his family, who participate in Save the Children's home-based early childhood development program, Ferrera guided Jordan through his favorite book, which he knows by heart.

Ferrera noted that most families in the Navajo Nation, as in many developing countries around the world, live in remote communities, far from the nearest formal school setting. "Emphasizing the value of reading is one of the most important things we can do for all children."

Later, Ferrera dropped in to see the Save the Children-supported early childhood development program at Mesa View Primary School, and led the reading hour. She then helped hand out new books to children through the book exchange, a program designed to encourage family reading at home.

"I still remember the first book I fell in love with and knew by heart -- 'Harold and the Purple Crayon.' Literature has had a profound and lasting effect on my education, thirst for knowledge and quality of life."

Save the Children, in partnership with governments and communities, provides early childhood development programs to nearly 200,000 children in more than 30 countries, including the United States.

To access the full report, visit www.savethechildren.org.