School boards in Neshaminy (Bucks County, October 28, 2014) and Cheltenham (Montgomery County, October 14, 2014) have issued resolutions endorsing expanded investment in high-quality pre-k. To read the resolutions, visit our “Educators for Pre-K” page.
Neshaminy School Board Passes Resolution Calling for High-Quality Pre-K
Momentum grows as another area school board joins the cause in support of state-funded early learning policies
Philadelphia, PA (Oct. 29 2014) – The Board of Directors of the Neshaminy School District yesterday enacted a resolution calling for the adoption of state-funded policies to ensure that every 3- and 4-year-old in Pennsylvania can access high-quality early education. Neshaminy is the latest in a series of local school districts that have joined the issue campaign Pre-K for PA in calling on Pennsylvania’s elected officials and candidates for office to support increased access to high-quality pre-k.
The resolution reflects the recognition that children who attend quality pre-k programs are far better prepared to enter school ready to learn and take full advantage of the benefits of classroom learning. It also recognizes that many families in Neshaminy – and across the Commonwealth – do not have access to, or cannot afford quality pre-k. In fact, over 10,000 children ages 3 and 4 in Bucks County do not have access to high-quality, publicly-funded early education. Investment in quality early learning programs is crucial to ensure that our children can have the best chance possible to succeed in school and beyond.
“As a mom, educator, and taxpayer, I am grateful that our School Board is adopting a resolution in support of universal high-quality pre-k,” said Neshaminy School District Literacy Coordinator Colleen Stahl. “Currently, too many of our youngsters are entering school under-prepared, without the social, listening, speaking, and language skills that quality early education provides. Children only have one chance to get on target for lifelong academic success – and this is a step in the right direction for Neshaminy.”
The resolution highlights the benefits of high-quality pre-k programs, which include: improved early literacy, language, math, social and emotional skills; a reduction in special education placements and grade repetition; increased rates of high school graduation and college enrollment; and decreased high school dropout and crime rates.
For a copy of the full resolution, as well as resolutions recently passed by other Pennsylvania school districts, visit Pre-K for PA’s “Supers for Pre-K” webpage here.
Pre-K for PA is an issue campaign supported by individuals and organizations across Pennsylvania who believe that investing in our children is the right choice and an urgent necessity. Our vision is that every 3- and 4-year-old in Pennsylvania will have access to high-quality pre-k. We will not endorse nor oppose candidates, but rather we will advocate on behalf of this vision for Pennsylvania’s children, schools and communities.
