Pre-K Now Newswire

Congress Receives Urgent Message on Early Education Investments

hhiggins@preknow.org — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 09:00:00 -0500

Early education should be "an integral component of America's economic recovery," according to a letter delivered today to the Joint Economic Committee. Written by Libby Doggett, executive director of Pre-K Now, and delivered as members convened for a hearing on "Economic Recovery: Need for Growth and Stimulus," the letter challenged Congressional leaders to consider the impact of their decisions as they evaluate what constitutes pro-economic growth spending and what doesn't.

New Initiative Promotes Family Involvement When it Matters Most

hhiggins@preknow.org — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 09:00:00 -0500

In response to the growing movement to develop and expand voluntary, state-funded pre-kindergarten programs, Pre-K Now today introduced Engaged Families, Effective Pre-K - a new initiative to research best practices for engaging families in pre-k programs and to advance state policies that support those practices. Led by Deborah Roderick Stark, a nationally recognized expert in child and family policy and programs, and supported by the Picower Foundation, Engaged Families, Effective Pre-K will highlight the fundamental role family involvement plays during the early learning years and the need for states to actively promote it.

Senators Hillary Clinton and Kit Bond Host Congressional Briefing with Pre-K Now

hhiggins@preknow.org — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 09:00:00 -0500

A congressional briefing cosponsored by Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY), Senator Kit Bond (R-MO) and Pre-K Now today highlighted the importance of federal and state partnerships to support states' voluntary pre-kindergarten efforts. "America's Pre-K Movement: State Progress on Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten and How Congress Can Help" involved speakers from the federal, state and local levels in a timely discussion about our nation's investments in pre-k education - especially in today's economy - and the strong federal-state partnerships that are required if the next generation is to meet tomorrow's challenges.

Report: Facing Grim Economy, Most State Legislatures Continue to Prioritize Pre-K

hhiggins@preknow.org — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 09:00:00 -0500

In spite of worsening economic conditions across the country, the majority of states stood firm in their commitment to investing in pre-kindergarten programs, according to "Votes Count: Legislative Action on Pre-K Fiscal Year 2009," a state-by-state analysis of pre-k funding released today by Pre-K Now with support from The Pew Charitable Trusts. This year's "Votes Count" also unveils a new list of the places families would have the best and worst chances of enrolling their children in a high-quality, state-funded pre-k program; ten states make the notable lists.

Response from Susan Urahn and Libby Doggett to Wall Street Journal Op-Ed

hhiggins@preknow.org — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 09:00:00 -0500

Shikha Dalmia and Lisa Snell misrepresent decades of research on the lasting benefits of quality pre-K research that has been accepted by academics and policymakers across the political spectrum. The authors cherry-pick data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Contrary to their claim, fourth-grade NAEP scores rose in Georgia from 1992 to 2007. A national study by RAND in 2000 found that preschool was one of a number of factors that contributed to higher NAEP scores across the country. More importantly, rigorous studies like the five-year evaluation of pre-K in Tulsa, published in the journal Science, found significant positive impacts of Oklahoma's program for disadvantaged and middle-class children. These findings are similar to decades of research in peer-reviewed journals. A summary of 123 preschool studies spanning 40 years, forthcoming in Teachers College Record, finds significant and long-lasting effects; the more rigorous the study, the larger the impacts. Few other educational reform measures have been scrutinized more intensively. Finally, the authors suggest that support for pre-K is limited to Democrats. This year, with leadership from both Republican and Democratic governors, 32 states are increasing their investment in pre-K by more than $300 million. Children don't need protection from pre-K. Their parents, and the public, deserve protection from such disregard for the facts.

Senator Cochran Backs New Federal Pre-K Investment

hhiggins@preknow.org — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 09:00:00 -0500

Mississippi is the only state in the South and one of twelve in the nation without a state-funded pre-k program, but at least one of the state's U.S. senators aims to remove that distinction. Last week, speaking with the Daily Journal, Republican Sen. Thad Cochran expressed his hopes for federal incentive funding to support the creation of state pre-k education in Mississippi. He announced his desire to work with Sen. Edward Kennedy, chair of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, on a federal initiative that could help bring Mississippi and other states out of the Pre-K Wilderness. The Daily Journal enthusiastically backed his vision, noting that Louisiana, Arkansas, Alabama, and Tennessee have taken steps to expand their thriving state-funded pre-k programs and pointing out that Cochran's "commitment opens a door for Mississippi to gather its political willpower and resources."

Statement: Pre-K Now Celebrates House Education Committee's Approval of the PRE-K Act

hhiggins@preknow.org — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 09:00:00 -0500

We are grateful to Chairman Miller, Congressman Castle and other leaders on the House Education and Labor Committee for their strong endorsement today of high-quality state pre-k programs, and we heartily congratulate Congresswoman Hirono for her leadership on this issue! The committee's bipartisan approval of her bill, Providing Resources Early for Kids Act (the PRE-K Act) is a huge win for America's children and families. It's also an important affirmation that children are neither red nor blue - and ensuring they get quality programs during their critical early years is fundamental, not political.

National Poll: Nearly 7 in 10 Voters Want More Federal Support for State-funded Pre-K

hhiggins@preknow.org — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 13:30:00 -0500

Pre-K Now today released results of a national poll on voters' views of state and federal support for high-quality pre-kindergarten programs. The findings reveal broad support for making voluntary pre-k for all children a larger fiscal priority, and suggest that candidates' positions on the issue could influence many Americans' votes this fall. Notably, seven in 10 voters - and 7 in 10 "swing voters" - support a proposeal for new federal grants to help states increase the quality and availability of their pre-k programs.

Report: What Good Pre-K Costs... Before It Pays Big Dividends

hhiggins@preknow.org — Tue, 13 May 2008 10:00:00 -0500

In light of the growing demand for high-quality pre-kindergarten programs and concerns about poor quality programs in some of the country's largest states, a report released today helps decision makers estimate the costs of quality improvements to teacher education and class size.

Tight State Budgets Reveal Governors' True Pre-K Colors

hhiggins@preknow.org — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 10:00:00 -0500

In spite of significant fiscal and political challenges, 16 governors and the mayor of Washington, D.C., proposed a total of $261 million in increases for pre-kindergarten programs, according to Pre-K Now, a Washington, D.C.-based education advocacy group, in its annual state-by-state analysis of leadership on early childhood education released today.

Statement on "The State of Preschool 2007" Release

hhiggins@preknow.org — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 10:00:00 -0500

While the "State of Preschool" Yearbook highlights important progress in the movement for high-quality pre-kindergarten for all, we have a long way to go as a country before we can truly celebrate. Until the parent of every 3- and 4-year-old can access and afford a quality, voluntary pre-k program, we have work to do.

Statement on National Mathematics Advisory Panel Final Report

mmulkey@preknow.org — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:00:00 -0500

Pre-K Now executive director Libby Doggett, Ph.D., urged the Bush administration and leaders in Congress to prioritize federal investments in pre-kindergarten programs in light of the final recommendations released today by the National Mathematics Advisory Panel.

Report: More than One Way to Pay for Public Pre-K

hhiggins@preknow.org — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 13:00:00 -0500

As policymakers across the country face unusually tough fiscal constraints, many are also facing a growing demand among their constituents for high-quality pre-kindergarten. To assist legislatures with these simultaneous challenges, Pre-K Now today released "Funding the Future: States' Approaches to Pre-K Finance" - an up-to-date analysis of the ways states are funding pre-k and the pros and cons of various funding strategies.

Pre-K Now Reacts to Research on Pre-K Expulsions

hhiggins@preknow.org — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 13:00:00 -0500

Pre-K Now executive director Libby Doggett issued the following statement in response to "Implementing Policies to Reduce the Likelihood of Preschool Expulsion," released today by the Foundation for Child Development. Said Doggett: "The most important take-away from this report is that quality in pre-k programs really matters.... It is much more cost effective to ensure that programs, teachers, children, and families receive the services and supports they need early on - when problems are more easily corrected and before children are expelled - rather than later on when bad behavior has escalated and is more ingrained."

On the Heels of New Federal Requirements, States Receive Practical Advice

hhiggins@preknow.org — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 14:00:00 -0500

The recent Head Start reauthorization offers states a new opportunity to refine and coordinate early childhood programs. For those grappling with the most effective ways to do this, a report released today by ZERO TO THREE and Pre-K Now provides specific suggestions and strategies to improve the often complex systems serving babies, toddlers, and pre-kindergarteners.

Report: Pre-K Momentum Climbs to an All-Time High

ttrenkner@preknow.org — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 10:00:00 -0500

A record-breaking 36 states increased funding for pre-kindergarten according to a report released today by Pre-K Now. "Votes Count: Legislative Action on Pre-K Fiscal Year 2008," an annual state-by-state analysis of legislative support for pre-k, shows historic momentum for funding early education across the country, with 528 million new dollars committed to providing at least 88,000 more children access to pre-k. The number of states increasing pre-k funding breaks last year's record of 34, and far exceeds the FY05 record of 15.

New PSA campaign by Pre-K Now to encourage Latino parents to enroll their kids in pre-k programs

ttrenkner@preknow.org — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 10:00:00 -0500

Latino children make up more than 20 percent (4.2 million) of the under five population in this country, and in some key states they add up to an even larger percentage. But according to a study by Pre-K Now only 40 percent of Hispanic children aged three to five are enrolled in early education programs nationally, compared to 59 percent of Caucasians and 64 percent of African Americans. To alleviate this growing problem, Pre-K Now and the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies are introducing a Spanish-language outreach campaign, "Prekinder: Aprendiendo a aprender" (Learning to learn), consisting of TV and radio PSAs that provide a toll-free telephone number where information about pre-k programs in local communities can be obtained.

Pre-K Now Executive Director, Libby Doggett on Pre-K Legislation Proposed by Congresswoman Hirono

hhiggins@preknow.org — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 12:00:00 -0500

"We applaud Congresswoman Hirono's vision and commitment to providing children across this country with greater access to high-quality early learning programs that will benefit them, their families, and ultimately, our nation."... The legislation, introduced today by Rep. Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and co-sponsored by Reps. George Miller (D-CA), Susan Davis (D-CA), John Tierney (D-MA), and Robert Andrews (D-NJ) would provide $1,000,000,000 (per fiscal year through 2013) in federal funds for states with pre-k programs to assist in teacher training, small class size, and comprehensive services such as health screening and nutrition.

Libby Doggett Among High-Profile Panelists Responding to Senators' Pre-K Proposals

hhiggins@preknow.org — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 10:00:00 -0500

In testimony today at the Center for American Progress, Executive Director of Pre-K Now Libby Doggett, Ph.D. spoke before a filled room of child advocates, community leaders and current and former policymakers on the historic nature of two recently introduced pieces of legislation: Senator Clinton's "Ready to Learn" bill and Senator Casey's "Prepare All Kids" bill.

Congressional Leaders Honor Local Pre-K Advocates on Capitol Hill

hhiggins@preknow.org — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 11:00:00 -0500

Members of Congress representing Iowa, New York and Vermont today recognized pre-kindergarten advocates from their respective states for their exceptional pre-k leadership at the state level.... "Because of visionaries and organizations like these, more of our country's children will enter school prepared to learn and thrive, in school and in life," said Libby Doggett, executive director of Pre-K Now.

Groundbreaking Report Calls for State-Funded Pre-k for All Military Children

hhiggins@preknow.org — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Pre-K Now and the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) today joined forces in calling for states to support America's military personnel by providing high-quality pre-kindergarten to their children.

Pre-K Now and the Military Child Education Coalition to Hold Live and Telephone Press Conference on State-Funded Pre-K for Military-Connected Children

hhiggins@preknow.org — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 16:00:00 -0500

Pre-K Now and the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) will hold a live and telephonic press conference on July 11 to release a report examining the unique challenges faced by today's young military-families and calling on state leaders to actively support America's military personnel by providing high-quality pre-kindergarten to their children.