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 isan 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.
Advocates for High-Quality Pre-k Honor Rep. Mundy for Career Contributions to Early Childhood Education
Pat Ward (President & CEO, United Way of Greater Hazleton, Inc.), Bill Jones (President & CEO, United Way of Wyoming Valley), Phyllis Mundy and Gary Drapek (President and CEO, United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties). Phyllis Mundy holding an award made by Head Start Children of Luzerne County.
Wilkes-Barre, PA (Oct. 17, 2014) – Retiring state Rep. Phyllis Mundy was recognized today by the statewide, non-partisan Pre-K for PA campaign for her years of dedicated work to increase state investments in early learning programs.
Mundy was honored at a reception this morning hosted by the Pre-K for PA campaign and some of its local supporting partners, including the United Way of Wyoming Valley and the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne counties.
The Luzerne County lawmaker has been a tireless advocate for early learning investments during her 24-year tenure in the state House of Representatives. Mundy helped start the Pennsylvania General Assembly’s Early Childhood Education Caucus, a bipartisan group of 129 House and Senate members, and serves as co-chair of the caucus.
“Her positive impact in early childhood education cannot be understated and truly will be felt for generations to come,” said Steve Doster, the Pennsylvania state director for Mission: Readiness, an organization of retired military leaders that is one of the founding partners of the Pre-K for PA campaign.
“Pennsylvania’s early learning community has been very fortunate to have Phyllis Mundy in its corner year after year as we worked to increase state investments in high-quality pre-k and other proven programs that prepare children for success,” Doster said.
Along with advocating for increased state investments in pre-k and other early learning programs, Munday has been a leader in calling for high-quality standards in early learning.
Despite the dedicated efforts of Mundy and her legislative colleagues over the years, today only 1 in 6 of Pennsylvania’s 3- and 4-year-olds has access to publicly funded, high-quality pre-k. Increasing Pennsylvania’s investment in high-quality pre-k can increase its proven benefits, including decreased dropout rates, increased graduation rates and college enrollment, and higher lifetime earning potential.
Recent polls show the majority of Pennsylvania voters support increased investments in pre-k, in part because they recognize its long-term benefits to students, schools and communities.
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.
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.
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.
On Thursday morning, August 21, Pre-K for PA joined Mayor Carolyn Comitta, Chester County leaders, and educators at the West Chester Area Day Care Center in West Chester, a STAR 3 pre-k program, to highlight the importance of high-quality pre-k in preparing children for kindergarten and beyond.
As parents and educators prepare for the first day of kindergarten, 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.
Mayor Comitta was greeted by the preschool’s director, Betsy Billie before she read “The Kissing Hand” while the children were engaged, excited, and focused. We heard kids’ detailed observations of the book and insightful connections to their own lives. Because of their top-quality preschool, these children will be ready for kindergarten.
As Chester from Audrey Penn’s “The Kissing Hand” shows us, all families and young children have anxiety — mixed with excitement — on the first day of kindergarten. Pre-K for PA is working to make sure all children are prepared to start school. This way, children and families can step through their elementary school years learning and thriving academically. We will all benefit in the long run.
Joining us were Robert Patridge, Communications Director of West Chester Area School District, and Alain Oliver and Nelly Jimenez-Arevalo, leaders of the Maternal and Child Health Consortium of Chester County. These leaders have been active partners with Pre-K for PA so we can ensure that every child in Chester county and in Pennsylvania can be ready to succeed on the first day of kindergarten.
Pre-K for PA isan 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.
Chester County leaders at West Chester Area Day Care Center: Mayor Carolyn Comitta (West Chster) with Alain Oliver and Nelly Jimenez-Arevalo (Maternal and Child Health Consortium of Chester County).>Pre-k children and educators stand with Mayor Carolyn Comitta, Alain Oliver, Nelly Jimenez-Arevelo, as well as Betsy Billie (Director, West Chester Area Day Care Center), Rob Partridge (West Chester Area School District), and Suzann Morris (Pre-K for PA/ Delaware Valley Association for the Education of Young Children).Mayor Comitta reads Audrey Penn’s “The Kissing Hand,” a story to prepare children for their first day of school.
Chester County leaders at West Chester Area Day Care Center: Mayor Carolyn Comitta (West Chster) with Alain Oliver and Nelly Jimenez-Arevalo (Maternal and Child Health Consortium of Chester County).>
