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New Poll Finds Strong Support for Access to High-Quality Pre-K Among Likely PA Voters

New Poll Finds Strong Support for Access to High-Quality Pre-K Among Likely PA Voters

New Poll Finds Strong Support for Access to High-Quality Pre-K Among Likely PA Voters

Survey Conducted by National Pollsters Reveals Bipartisan Support for Pre-K, Strong Support Among Seniors

 

Philadelphia, PA (Sept. 19, 2014) – As the November election approaches, likely voters in Pennsylvania are demonstrating clear, bi-partisan support for access to high-quality pre-k. According to a recent poll commissioned by Pre-K for PA and conducted by national pollsters Lake Research Partners and Bellwether Research & Consulting, a majority of Pennsylvania voters favor access to voluntary, high-quality pre-k programs for every 3– and 4-year old. The poll also revealed that support for pre-k is particularly strong among seniors – 60 percent of whom favor ensuring access to high-quality pre-k.

“This latest poll released today demonstrates the clear recognition among those who will vote in the November election, that pre-k must be part of a viable solution to our education system in Pennsylvania,” said Steve Wray, Executive Director of the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia – a Pre-K for PA coalition member. “Our research supports what voters are saying – high-quality pre-k is crucial to ensure the right start for our kids and is a sound investment for Pennsylvania taxpayers.”

“What we are seeing around the country in the campaigns of many candidates this election cycle is broad support for access to high-quality pre-k – and no where is that more prevalent than right here in Pennsylvania,” said Celinda Lake, President of Lake Research Partners.

Christine Matthews, President of Bellwether Research & Consulting, added: “This latest research underscores that access to high-quality pre-k for all young children is an issue that has bipartisan support among Pennsylvania voters.”

“Pennsylvanians want smart public policy that gets results and has a strong return on investment, so it shouldn’t be surprising that most voters, regardless of party, are increasingly supportive of high-quality pre-k,” said Joan Benso, president and CEO of Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children, one of the founding organizations of the Pre-K for PA campaign. “Given only 1 in 6 of our 3- and 4-year-olds has access to publicly funded high-quality pre-k, it seems voters are willing to seek out candidates who are committed to boosting pre-k access.”

A summary of the full poll findings can be viewed on Pre-K for PA’s website here.

Pre-K for PA is an issue campaign supported by thousands of 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. While the campaign neither endorses nor opposes candidates, it advocates on behalf of this vision for Pennsylvania’s children, schools and communities.

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CONTACTS:

Philadelphia:
Andrea Mead, Pre-K for PA
215-2805-3746
andrea@jacobsonstrategic.com

Harrisburg:
Mike Race, Pa. Partnerships for Children
717-236-5680
mrace@papartnerships.org

Pittsburgh:
David Caliguiri, PAEYC
412-613-7266
david@caliguirigroup.com

Is MontCo Ready for Kindergarten?

Is MontCo Ready for Kindergarten?

Montco County Commissioner Castor Visits Local Preschool, Highlights the Need for Access to Pre-KMontgomery County Leaders Join Pre-K for PA in Stressing Importance of Being Ready for the First Day of Kindergarten

 

Philadelphia, PA—Friday, September 5, Pre-K for PA was joined by County Commissioner Bruce Castor and other Montgomery County leaders, educators and preschoolers at Play & Learn Providence Pointe in Royersford, PA, a STAR 3 pre-k program, to highlight the importance of high-quality pre-k in preparing children for kindergarten and beyond.

 

As teachers and educators welcome kids to the first day of kindergarten this week, Pre-K for PA is holding a series of “Back to School” events at preschools across Pennsylvania to underscore the need for every 3- and 4-year-old in the commonwealth to be ready for kindergarten through access to high-quality pre-k.

 

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.

The Phoenix:

PHOTOS: Castor reads to local preschoolers at Pre-K for PA event

Montgomery County Commissioner BruceCastor reads “The Little Engine That Could” to children at Play & Learn Providence Pointe in Upper Providence on Friday, Sept. 5, 2014. Castor‘s visit was part of a series of back to school events held by Pre-K for PA to support quality preschool access throughout the state. Photo courtesy of Pre-K for PA.

Upper Providence — Montgomery County Commissioner Bruce Castor visited Play & Learn Providence Pointe Friday to show his support for Pre-K for PA.

During his visit, Castor read “The Little Engine That Could” to the children and spoke with parents, Pre-K for PA representatives and Play & Learn Program Coordinator Melanie Godhania about the importance of quality preschool education for Pennsylvania children.

Pre-K for PA is a statewide group that campaigns for access to quality preschool education in Pennsylvania.

Castor’s visit was one of a series of back to school events the organization is holding at preschools across the state, according to a press release from Pre-K for PA.
Support Our Teachers

Support Our Teachers

This Labor Day, Pre-K for PA supports the great teachers who form the core of our high-quality pre-k programs.

Low wages for preschool staff are all too common in the industry, often resulting in high turnover rates and missed opportunities for professional development. If Pennsylvania is to provide access to high-quality pre-k for all children, then our early education professionals must be well-supported and adequately compensated for their work.

Thank a teacher for their hard work in preparing our youngest learners for success. And share the below graphic on Facebook and Twitter.

Support Our Teachers (Facebook)

Post by Pre-K for PA.
 Support Our Teachers (Twitter)