The gubernatorial debates have rightfully focused on early education. If we want to ensure strong schools, that begins with pre-k. Tune into the final debate in Pittsburgh on Wednesday, October 8 to watch the candidates debate.
Send this tweet to the candidates:
Dear Tom @CorbettForGov @WolfForPA: Explain your views on early ed at Wednesday’s #PAgov debate #CorbettWolf cc @SWigginWTAE @WTAE @PreK4PA
- Monday, September 22, 7:30pm — Hershey, PA
Click here to watch the first candidate debate on pcntv.com
- Wednesday, October 1, 8am — Philadelphia, PA
Watch the second debate on CBS Philly
- Wednesday, October 8, 7pm — Wilkingsburg, PA
Watch live on WTAE tv (Pittsburgh), WGAL (Lancaster) or online at WTAE.com
Download the BINGO card (PDF) | See the full-sized graphic to print
Special thanks to our friends at PCCY for co-designing the BINGO game.
YourErie: Pre-K for PA Day in City of Erie
Erie Mayor Joe Sinnott has proclaimed August 8th as Pre-K for PA Day in the City of Erie.
The proclamation took place at the Seawolves game at Jerry Uht Park.
The goal of the bipartisan campaign is to raise support for universal pre-k for three and four year old children in the commonwealth.
Full story here.
The Mercury Letters: Pre-K education is needed throughout Pennsylvania
As an early childhood educator, I know that we have only one chance to prepare our children for their future education and their future success. I see firsthand every day how children who attend preschool programs dedicated to high quality are introduced to and practice crucial life skills that serve as a foundation for academic learning in school.
Preschool programs dedicated to providing high-quality early education understand that there are many foundational skills that children need in order to be successful in school and life.
Read more at the source.
The Morning Call: Pre-K programs help prepare next generation
I read with interest Lee Butz’s recent Your View (“Increased funding for preschool education a wise investment”) about the impact that pre-kindergarten programs can have on young learners.
As a retired rear admiral of the Coast Guard, I know firsthand just how difficult it is to find qualified men and women to fill the ranks.
A recent Wall Street Journal article reported that the “Defense Department estimates that 71 percent of the roughly 34 million 17- to 24-year-olds in the U.S. would fail to qualify to enlist in the military if they tried.” This level of ineligibility has obvious consequences for our armed services and civilian employers alike.
The documented impact of early education is impressive, and I am encouraged by the actions of local businesses to expand access to these services through the preschool scholarship program.
Read more.
The Kennett Times: DAs back pre-K to fight crime
What does Pre-K have to do with crime prevention?
Considering that approximately 70 percent of our nation’s state prison population failed to receive a high school diploma, education is a pivotal factor between incarceration and productive citizenship. Long-term research is clear that high quality pre-k can boost graduation rates by as much as 44 percent and keep young people on the right side of the law.
Knowing this, district attorneys have long supported investments in high-quality pre-kindergarten as a key crime prevention strategy.
View the full letter.
