Philly.com: Commentary: Let Pa’s resolution for 2017 be expanded access to pre-k
January 3, 2017 by Pedro Ramos, Jim Cawley, and Sharmain Matlock-Turner
Resolutions – proactive measurable goals that pave the way for future success – help us launch the new year with purpose and direction.
Let’s resolve to build on the growing consensus for the wisdom of quality universal pre-K in Pennsylvania.
For our children, it’s essential to propel their path to learning through programs that lay solid foundations for achievement in education and in life.
A child’s brain is 90 percent developed by age 5. Falling behind during this critical time could mean a lifetime of having to run faster to try to catch up – or worse, never catching up.
A person who has a preschool education is less likely to drop out of high school, get arrested, repeat grades, and require remediation services. Research shows that children enrolled in pre-K programs can go on to earn incomes as much as 23 percent higher than what they’d earn had they not participated.
The benefits for our society as a whole also have been documented. Pre-K programs lead to a more competitive workforce. As such, they constitute an economic development program – the educational equal of business-tax incentives, property-tax abatements, and job-creation tax credits. A high-quality workforce is a key driver of job creation, as well as higher community earnings per capita, something that in turn enhances overall regional growth.
Pennsylvania’s lagging commitment to universal pre-K puts our population at an increasingly competitive disadvantage, even among our next-door neighbors. Nationally, Pennsylvania has dropped from number 11 to 15 for pre-K access for 3-year-olds, and ranks 30th in pre-K access for 4-year-olds. We serve only 26 percent of our 4-year-old population, compared with 35 percent in New Jersey, 42 percent in Maryland, 54 percent in New York, and 94 percent in West Virginia. Only one in six Pennsylvania young learners is enrolled in pre-K programs.
Just offering a pre-K program is not enough. The curriculum needs to be focused on the cognitive, physical, and social skills expected in today’s kindergarten, which no longer centers just on socialization.
Sadly, the amount of public funds available for pre-K in Pennsylvania provides less than 20 percent of 3- and 4-year-olds with access to high-quality programs. Since the annual cost of pre-K can rival a family’s rent or mortgage expense, on average amounting to $8,800 per year, it’s often far out of reach for children who would benefit most.
Additional funding could produce life-changing results. With $370 million in funding, pre-K would be available to the more than 47,000 3- and 4-year-olds in Pennsylvania who are at the greatest risk of academic failure. With an additional $100 million, 23,500 students in middle-income households could benefit. Those targeted investments could reach 125,000 children by 2019 – providing pre-K access to more than 40 percent of our 3- and 4-year-olds.
We simply cannot continue to withhold this opportunity for our children. As representatives of the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors, we ask you to join us in resolving not to accept anything less.
Pedro Ramos is president and CEO of the Philadelphia Foundation. president@philafound.org
Jim Cawley is president and CEO of United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey. jcawley@uwgpsnj.org
Sharmain Matlock-Turner is president and CEO of the Urban Affairs Coalition. sharmain@uac.org
Times-Leader: Column: Retired Maj. Gen. Joseph F. Perugino: Our nation’s military preparedness linked to our nation’s preschools
November 17, 2016
On Veterans Day, America paused to thank the men and women who have dedicated their lives to this nation and its freedom.
Of course, today’s military is vastly different from the armed forces of yesterday. The soldier who carried a musket or the flier who piloted a biplane would never recognize the precision-guided munitions or the unmanned aircraft of today.
While the values our veterans and current military personnel have cherished and protected never wavered, the military’s tools have grown increasingly sophisticated. Devotion to duty remains an expectation, but so are the ability to communicate, solve problems, think critically, and in many posts, perform technologically sophisticated tasks.
Unfortunately, the pool of qualified men and women capable of military service today – of becoming the veterans whose service we honor tomorrow – is diminishing. In Pennsylvania, 72 percent of youths ages 17 to 24 are ineligible for military service due to problems with obesity, education, drug abuse or crime, according to the Citizen-Readiness Index.
The index, produced by the Council for a Strong America, revealed two other sobering findings about preparedness. In Pennsylvania, 13 percent of youths (ages 16 to 24) are unemployed and not in school, and 13 youths out of 100 (ages 17 to 24) have an arrest record. The findings show that too many young adults aren’t ready to contribute to their country, the economy or their communities. They are disqualified from our military and ill-prepared to work in our businesses.
Fortunately, a known solution to this dilemma is at hand. Just as we plant seedlings and watch them grow into trees, we can plant the seeds of productive lifetimes in our youngest children. A strong body of research has proven that high-quality prekindergarten prepares children to succeed in school and beyond.
Children who enter school from quality early learning programs are better prepared for school, show lasting academic gains, and are less likely to engage in crime or substance abuse. In turn, that means they require less money in the form of taxpayer dollars be spent on things such as prisons and welfare, and more important, they grow into productive members of our communities.
With results like these, it’s no coincidence that the U.S. military has invested strategically in early learning. Children of active-duty families living on military bases worldwide can attend prekindergarten programs that meet the highest standards for promoting learning. This investment is part of the U.S. Department of Defense’s $1.3 billion yearly commitment to children and youth.
Pennsylvania also has made impressive strides in delivering high-quality early learning to the children most likely to benefit, but need remains. In Luzerne County, more than 150 new state-funded pre-k slots were established this year. Yet 72 percent of eligible young children still do not have access to high-quality, public-funded prekindergarten. Pennsylvania should follow the military’s lead and continue to prioritize early education.
When we thank our veterans on Veterans Day, let’s not stop there. Let’s ensure that the hard work and sacrifice of previous generations are upheld and carried forward by our young residents.
Joseph F. Perugino, a Kingston resident, is a retired major general who previously commanded the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 28th Infantry Division. He serves on the executive leadership council of Mission:Readiness – Military Leaders for Kids.
Read the column here.
Pottstown Mercury: GUEST COLUMN: This Veterans Day, look to the future our veterans fought to preserve
This Veterans Day offers a chance to thank those service men and women among us for their military service and dedication. Our veterans contribute their talents to building a strong defense so that our future is filled with freedom and opportunity.
Of course, today’s technologically sophisticated military bears little resemblance to the Armed Forces that earlier generations served. What never changes is the need for dedicated people, whether they flew biplanes in 1917 or operate unmanned drones today. These hardy souls are leaders, go-getters, team players, and good communicators, equipped with the character traits needed to become outstanding soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines.
However, we are concerned that too few young people today offer those innate capabilities needed to serve. According to the 2016 Citizen-Readiness Index, 72 percent of Pennsylvania youth ages 17 to 24 are ineligible for military service due to problems with obesity, education, drug abuse, or crime.
The Citizen-Readiness Index, produced by the Council for a Strong America, also found that, in Pennsylvania, 13 percent of youth ages 16 to 24 are unemployed and not in school, and that 13 youth out of 100 ages 17 to 24 have an arrest record.
These findings show that many young adults are not only barred from military service; they’re also not ready to function in our communities. Just like the military, businesses thrive on the contributions of energetic, creative self-starters, but employers are having trouble finding them, and the economy suffers.
Fortunately, we know a proven solution addressing all facets of this dilemma — high-quality prekindergarten. A formidable body of research has revealed the remarkable growth and development occurring in the brains of children from birth to age 5. With the proper environment, relationships, and enrichment, young brains form the connections that build the foundation for a lifetime of academic achievement, physical health, and social functioning.
Children from high-quality prekindergarten experience fewer grade repetitions and special education placements, lower rates of crime and incarceration, and increased graduation rates. They and their families are also likelier to learn healthy eating and exercise habits that substantially reduce childhood obesity.
The U.S. Department of Defense understands the direct line from early childhood to citizen-readiness, including possible military service. Defense Department initiatives have placed high-quality early learning facilities at bases worldwide, so active-duty personnel can do their jobs knowing that their young children are safe and secure in environments filled with learning opportunities.
And for the many military personnel who don’t live on base the Defense Department offers vouchers that substantially reduce the cost of quality prekindergarten. In a demonstration of the department’s commitment to high-quality early learning, these vouchers must be spent in facilities meeting measurable standards of excellence.
Pennsylvania has made impressive strides in delivering high-quality early learning to the children most likely to benefit, but need remains. In Montgomery County, 180 new state-funded pre-K slots were established this year. Yet, 85 percent of eligible young children still do not have access to high-quality, publicly funded prekindergarten. Pennsylvania should follow the military’s lead and continue to prioritize early education.
As we rightfully thank those men and women that have served in our Armed Forces this Veterans Day, let’s also reflect on the future and what we can do to ensure that more young people are citizen-ready.
State Representative Thomas P. Murt, 152nd Legislative District – Representative Murt previously served in the U.S. Army Reserve and was deployed with the 4th Infantry Division to Iraq in 2003. Contact info: 19 South York Road, Hatboro, PA 19040; tmurt@pahousegop.com; (215) 674-3755
Major General (Ret.) Wesley E. Craig, Jr., U.S. Army – General Craig previously served as Pennsylvania’s Adjutant General and currently sits on the Executive Advisory Council of Mission: Readiness – Military Leaders for Kids. Contact info:1615 Brent Road, Oreland, PA 19075; wcraig28@juno.com; (215) 317-2184
Read the editorial here.
Lancaster Online: Op-ed: We need to invest in pre-K for the sake of our nation
November 11, 2016
When we pause on Veterans Day on Friday to thank those who devote themselves to military service, we are thanking them for the talents and character traits they put on the line for our country.
They are strong leaders, selfless public servants and brave women and men. They also are resourceful, good communicators and, above all, team players. Working together, they preserve the freedom and values we cherish.
While today’s increasingly sophisticated military demands technological capabilities unknown by previous generations, the backbone of a strong defense is and always has been its people and their readiness to serve.
Unfortunately, readiness has become problematic for military recruitment today, and the possible consequences are deeply troubling.
According to the 2016 Citizen-Readiness Index, 72 percent of Pennsylvanians ages 17 to 24 are ineligible for military service because of problems with obesity, education, drug abuse or crime. That’s three out of four young adults whose potential can’t be tapped to serve our country, whether in peace or war.
The Citizen-Readiness Index, produced by the Council for a Strong America, warns of problems ahead if our young people aren’t prepared to perform in the military, workplaces or communities.
The index also found that, in Pennsylvania, 13 percent of ages 16 to 24 are unemployed and not in school, and that 13 out of 100 ages 17 to 24 have an arrest record.
It all ties together. Employers want the same capable people military leaders need: self-starters, the technologically skilled, problem solvers. If those go-getters simply don’t exist, then our national security and our economic vitality suffer.
When searching for solutions to this multifaceted dilemma, one cannot ignore high-quality prekindergarten.
Research is clear: The seeds of capability are sown in the earliest years of life. From birth to age 5, children are primed to build the foundation for academic achievement and physical and emotional health.
High-quality prekindergarten education helps build that foundation by creating strong connections in the brain to carry thought and emotion.
It instills lasting academic gains, cuts down on future crime rates and dramatically reduces childhood obesity rates. The result is fewer taxpayer dollars spent on crime and welfare and, more importantly, young people better prepared to serve their country and their communities.
The U.S. military has long recognized the value of investing in high-quality early learning. All active-duty families living on military installations have access to prekindergarten programs meeting the highest standards of excellence.
Military families not living on base qualify for a stipend to spend on early learning that must meet measurable standards of excellence.
The investment is part of the U.S. Department of Defense’s $1.3 billion yearly commitment to children and youth. After all, today’s children are tomorrow’s men and women in uniform, and evidence-based early learning is the first step in whittling down the numbers of young adults who aren’t qualified to serve.
Pennsylvania has made impressive strides in delivering high-quality early learning to the children most likely to benefit, but need remains.
In Lancaster County, more than 300 new state-funded pre-K slots were established this year. Yet 83 percent of eligible children still do not have access to high-quality, publicly funded prekindergarten. Pennsylvania should follow the military’s lead and continue to prioritize early education.
On this Veterans Day, it’s easy and appropriate to say, “Thank you for your service,” but let’s not stop there.
Let’s ensure the hard work and sacrifice of previous generations is upheld and carried forward by our youth. Continuing Pennsylvania’s commitment to high-quality prekindergarten is a promise to prepare our next generation of citizens.
U.S. Army Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Dennis L. Benchoff and U.S. Navy Vice-Admiral (Ret.) Daniel L. Cooper are Lancaster County residents serving on the Executive Advisory Council of Mission: Readiness — Military Leaders for Kids.
Read the op-ed here.
Lancaster Online: Editorial: On this day after the election, we turn our attention to other concerns
November 9, 2016 by LNP Editorial Board
Do you hear that?
The blessed silence, we mean.
No more screaming political ads on the TV and radio. No more heart-poundingly ominous warnings about the fate that awaits us if we don’t vote for a particular candidate.
Let’s enjoy it while it lasts, because campaigning seems to have become the new American pastime, one with an exhaustingly long season and no all-star breaks.
So for just one day at least, let’s turn our attention to the world outside of politics.
It turns out there is one.
The new classrooms will provide spots for 60 students. As LNP reported Tuesday, they were made possible by the inclusion of $30 million in additional pre-K funding in the 2016-17 state budget.
It costs $170,000 to fund a classroom for 20 pre-K students, according to city schools Superintendent Damaris Rau.
But the benefits are enormous.
When you test preschoolers who have attended pre-K, 83 percent are prepared for kindergarten, Rau noted. When you test preschoolers who haven’t attended pre-K, only 37 percent are prepared for kindergarten.
Research shows that 90 percent of brain development takes place in the first five years of a child’s life. How much a child learns in those formative early years — and, in particular, how great is his or her exposure to language — can determine how that child does in school and ultimately in life.
So it’s wonderful that three more pre-K classrooms have opened in Lancaster city. But there’s still a way to go in meeting the early education needs of our children.
Four hundred students in the School District of Lancaster remain on the pre-K waiting list.
Only 17 percent of eligible 3- and 4-year-olds in Lancaster County have access to publicly funded, high-quality pre-K, said Randy Patterson, director of Economic Development and Neighborhood Revitalization for the City of Lancaster and board chair for United Way of Lancaster County.
The implications of failing to provide children with the education they need are far-reaching.
As Lancaster County District Attorney Craig Stedman pointed out, about half of state prison inmates have not graduated from high school. The annual cost of incarcerating someone in state prison is $45,000; incarceration costs the state about $2.3 billion annually.
“I think we’d rather pay for an education than an incarceration,” he said.
We agree. Funding early education is the fiscally smart choice. And it happens to be the morally right one, too — because every child, no matter the ZIP code in which he or she resides, deserves to get the best possible start in life.
Read the editorial here.
Philly.com: Commentary: PA Can Invest in Children and the Nation
October 21, 2016
By Mark Schweiker and William B. Lynch
This election season might feel more raucous than any in U.S. history, but at the heart of all campaigns are the issues that never change. Since this nation was founded, Americans have gone to the polls because they want better lives for themselves and bright futures for their children.
Those who have spent time in public service and the armed forces are acutely aware that we have a duty to help all children achieve their potential as productive, contributing citizens.
However, if we merely hope that children grow up to be tomorrow’s leaders and innovators, we’re gambling on an issue critical to this nation’s survival. As the Council for a Strong America has found, too many children are unprepared for the workforce, unqualified for the military, and mired in crime at a young age.
The council is a national, bipartisan nonprofit that unites five organizations comprising law enforcement leaders, retired admirals and generals, business executives, pastors, and prominent coaches and athletes. Together, we promote solutions that ensure our next generation of Americans will be citizen-ready, and to mark its 20th year, the council has just released the 2016 Citizen-Readiness Index.
Citizen-readiness encompasses the positive capabilities and traits acquired in childhood that lay the groundwork for productive adulthoods. This report reveals those junctures where children fall short of their potential – perhaps with lifelong consequences – and offers research-based solutions grounded in early childhood to assure that kids start life on a productive path, and stay there.
The index grades states on their performance, and if this were a child’s report card, many states would go to bed without supper. More than three-quarters of states earned a grade of C or worse. Sadly, Pennsylvania earned a D. The Keystone State nearly fails on the three criteria of citizen readiness:
13 percent of youth ages 16 to 24 are unemployed and not in school. What are they doing with their time? Certainly not learning new skills to improve their employability and earning power.
13 youth out of 100 ages 17 to 24 have an arrest record. This early entanglement with the criminal justice system can create a damaging ripple effect for years to come.
72 percent of youth ages 17 to 24 are ineligible for military service due to problems with obesity, education, drug abuse, or crime. The implications are sobering. Our nation cannot rely on three out of four young Pennsylvanians to serve their country. As retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Mike Hall said, “It begs the question, if you aren’t qualified to serve in the military, what else are you not qualified to do?”
Fortunately, the index recommends a solution – investments in research-based policies to assure that children start strong and grow up healthy.
First, we can support strong families through expanding resources for evidence-based home visiting services. These voluntary programs send trained professionals into the homes of vulnerable new parents to educate them on health, nutrition, learning opportunities, and appropriate discipline. Evidence shows that home-visiting programs reduce incarcerations of mothers and their daughters, boost family self-sufficiency, and improve children’s learning abilities.
Second, we can further advance early education. Preparing children for success in school improves their future qualifications for good jobs and military service, while it also deflects involvement in crime. Unfortunately, more than 120,000 of Pennsylvania’s eligible 3- and 4-year-olds still lack access to PA Pre-K Counts and state-funded Head Start.
Pennsylvania has a long history of supporting early learning. It began in the Schweiker administration with an Early Childhood Care and Education Task Force that led to the establishment and growth of pre-k opportunities under Govs. Ed Rendell and Tom Corbett. Most recently under Gov. Wolf, quality pre-k saw the single largest expansion since its inception. In each instance, legislators joined Pennsylvania’s governors in making this a priority for the commonwealth.
This is not the time to halt our momentum. We must continue our commitments to early childhood in order to build entire generations capable of joining the workforce, avoiding crime, and serving in the U.S. armed forces.
Supporting further investments in prekindergarten and home-visiting programs, helps to ensure that all children have the brightest future we can provide. It’s also a commitment to the security and economic vitality of our communities and commonwealth.
Mark Schweiker is a former governor of Pennsylvania. mschweiker@strongnation.orgRetired Air Force Maj. Gen. William B. Lynch is the former adjutant general of the Pennsylvania National Guard. wlynch@missionreadiness.org
Read the op-ed here.
