Tribune Democrat: Pre-k programs lagging in Pennsylvania
December 14, 2016 by John Finnerty
HARRISBURG — Most children eligible for public pre-kindergarten are shut out for lack of space, according to a report released Wednesday.
The situation is worse in rural and suburban schools, the Pennsylvania Partnership for Children found. Almost 3 in 4 children in suburban districts who are eligible for the programs don’t have access. In rural schools, more than 2 in 3 children are shut out.
“This is not a city problem, this is a Pennsylvania problem,” said state Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer County. More than half of the children in his district who are eligible aren’t enrolled.
The programs are offered by public schools, private nursery schools, highly-rated child care centers or Head Start. The group wants the state to recruit more operators to launch programs and cover their costs.
Of 300,000 preschool-age children in the state, about 177,000 are eligible for publicly funded pre-kindergarten. The group says the state has pre-K programs in place for almost 64,000 children, but nearly 113,000 are shut out.
Eligibility for the progams is based on family income, lack of English proficiency or disability.
Rural areas may have fewer private operators able to run pre-kindergarten programs, said Joan Benso, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children.
School districts in those areas likely struggle to operate regular K-12 classes, so administrators feel they’re in no position to expand to preschool.
Federally funded programs, such as Head Start, are more anchored to urban areas, Benso noted.
Researchers found that 32 of Pennsylvania’s 500 school districts have at least 80 percent of eligible preschoolers enrolled in pre-K programs.
Benso’s group is not proposing universal pre-K. Instead, it wants the state to pay to expand access to more children already eligible.
Eventually, if those needs are met, it would like to see programs opened to more families.
Benso’s group wants the state to boost pre-K spending by $85 million in the coming year, with a goal of increasing spending by $340 million by 2020-21.
That would be enough money to enroll all eligible children, she said.
Gov. Tom Wolf’s budget director, Randy Albright, noted the state is projected to have a $600 million deficit in the next budget year.
However, Wolf remains committed to boosting spending on schools and early childhood programs, he added, despite the headwinds.
Republicans who control the Legislature may be less enthusiastic.
Speaking to reporters Wednesday, House Majority Leader Dave Reed, R-Indiana County, said before the state spends more on schools, it ought to ensure that money now stuck in the state Department of Education is trickling out to districts.
The state needs to find $1.7 billion just to cover existing expenses – as well as mandated increases – in the coming year, said Rep. Brad Roae, R-Crawford County.
“Everyone deserves a good education but the state already spends over 42 percent of the general fund budget on education items such as Pre-K, subsidized day care, K-12 education, colleges and student grants,” he said.
Researchers said about 2 in 3 children eligible for pre-K programs in Roae’s district aren’t enrolled.
There are 18 pre-kindergarten classrooms in his legislative district. Nearly three-dozen more must be added to meet all the demand, researchers estimated.
Longietti said investment in pre-kindergarten is needed to ensure new students can compete with their peers from areas where governments are spending more, even within the region.
Ontario, for example, launched a universal pre-kindergarten program in 2010. Two years ago, New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio rolled out universal pre-K in the nation’s largest city.
Research supports those who say the investment pays off in the long-run, said former state Education Secretary Gerald Zahorchak.
Studies estimate $7 to $17 in long-term savings for every $1 spent on early childhood education, he said.
Savings come from reduced costs for services such as remedial education, social welfare programs and incarceration.
“It’s probably the most important investment we can make,” he said.
Benso said there’s no question the call for more spending on early childhood education comes as the state grapples with a difficult budget.
“The state is in a grave situation,” she said. “But budgets are about making decisions. And these children are not going to be able to be 3 or 4 again when the state’s budget is better.”
Read the article here.
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: 3 new pre-K classrooms for Lafayette elementary, leaders push for more funding
By Lindsey Blest
November 8, 2016
Pedro Rivera squatted on a multicolored carpet, chanting an alphabet rap with 20 pre-kindergarten students in a new classroom at Lafeyette Elementary School in Lancaster city.
“When I say ‘K,’ you say ‘kuh,’ ” the Pennsylvania Secretary of Education said.
Rivera joined a panel of local and state leaders at the School District of Lancaster school Monday for a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new classrooms and a roundtable discussion on pre-K funding.
“The investment in quality early childhood education will ensure that kids are on a trajectory to be successful,” Rivera said.
The three new classrooms provide spots for a total of 60 students. They were made possible by the inclusion of $30 million in additional pre-K funding in the 2016-17 state budget.
“I’m really proud to see great programs happen here at Lafayette,” said Rivera, who was SDL superintendent from 2008 to 2015.
Funding a classroom for 20 pre-K students costs $170,000, according to current SDL Superintendent Damaris Rau.
Testing results have shown that 83 percent of pre-K students are prepared for kindergarten, but only 37 percent are prepared without pre-K, she said.
ldquo;Pre-K education has to become our mission,” Rau said.
There are currently 392 pre-K students in the district with 400 more on the 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 the United Way of Lancaster County.
During the roundtable discussion, local leaders discussed the benefit that pre-K education brings to education, crime reduction, the military and business.
“A vital city has to have a vital education program,” Lancaster city Mayor Rick Gray said.
Studies have shown advancement in education, better suitability to society and reduction in crime begins with early education, he said.
Lancaster County District Attorney Craig Stedman said he sees many crime statistics, but the best statistic is “the one I don’t see.”
“I would be happy if the results here put me out of a job,” Stedman said.
Stedman said about half of state prison inmates have not graduated from high school. He added that the annual cost for incarcerating an inmate in state prison is $45,000, and that it currently costs the state about $2.3 billion annually.
“I think we’d rather pay for an education than an incarceration,” he said.
Gov. Tom Wolf pledged to introduce an “ambitious” early childhood education plan in the 2017-18 budget at a round table discussion with state and Philadelphia leaders last week.
While it’s premature to state the total amount Wolf will request, spokesman Jeff Sheridan said, he is committed to continued investment in education at all levels.
“Education is his priority,” Sheridan said. “When we provide access to early childhood education, students perform better in life.”
Read the full article here.
