Pittsburgh, PA (May 20, 2021) – Allegheny Intermediate Unit’s Pre-K Counts Program and Bright Horizons at UPMC Passavant welcomed PA State Representative Rob Mercuri and local leaders today for a virtual tour and conversation on the challenges of providing pre-k during the COVID-19 pandemic. Local leaders spoke to Rep. Mercuri about the continued need to serve the more than 6,000 eligible children across Allegheny County who still lack access to this once-in-a-lifetime learning opportunity.
“Those years between zero and five are critical,” Rep. Mercuri said. “The intent and the result of the programs of pre-k put young people on the right path and the return on investment from those early years are very meaningful.”
Chris Rodgick, Program Director at Allegheny Intermediate Unit’s Pre-K Counts offered a glimpse into life at an early learning center during COVID—describing both visually and verbally how providers have been supporting our children, families, and businesses during this unique year. Joining her in the discussion were Jeanette Casciato, Assistant Director at Allegheny IU Pre-K Counts, Heather Pfister, Center Director at Bright Horizons at UPMC Passavant, Jake Witherell, Chief Operating Officer at Schell Games, Cristina Codario, Public Policy Regional Coordinator at Trying Together, and Lindsey Ramsey, Public Policy Regional Coordinator at Trying Together.
“These children are meeting or exceeding widely held expectations, so that proves that having class with each other in a preschool setting, mixed age grouping, with trained professional staff really does support the excellent work that we want children to have before they go to kindergarten.” said Rodgick.
Speakers made it clear that despite the challenges associated with COVID, pre-k is working and is supported by the Allegheny County community. Jake Witherell, who participated in the tour and discussion, offered his unique business perspective, and agreed that high quality pre-k promotes not just the hard skills like math, reading, writing and science—but the increasingly important soft skills—communication, collaboration, and critical thinking.
“I’ve never understood why more focus isn’t on high quality early learning and putting money there because that’s the best investment,” Witherell said. “These high quality early learning programs are key in cementing those skills early in a child’s life.”
A new study by the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill confirmed that the commonwealth’s investment in pre-k is paying dividends for the children fortunate enough to access pre-k through Pennsylvania’s Pre-K Counts program. In language and math skills, the study showed that these kids outperformed their kindergarten peers who did not enjoy access—an advantage that equated to four to five months of learning gains, which is a substantial difference in development at that age.
Governor Wolf’s proposed 2021-22 PA budget includes a $25 million increase for Pre-K Counts and $5 million increase for the Head Start State Supplemental Assistance Program, which continues the tradition of expanding access to high quality pre-k. This new funding will allow 3,271 additional children to enroll in these high-quality early learning programs.
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. For more information www.prekforpa.org.
# # #
STATE COLLEGE, PA (May 11, 2021) – Pre-K Counts provider The Learning Station welcomed PA State Representative Kerry Benninghoff and local leaders today for a virtual tour and conversation on the challenges of providing pre-k during the COVID-19 pandemic. Local leaders spoke to Rep. Benninghoff about the continued need to serve the more than 900 eligible children across Centre County who still lack access to this once-in-a-lifetime learning opportunity.
“I’ve raised five children, and now have eight grandchildren, so I am obviously very interested in the investment we make it our children, and I continue to advocate for that in my time in Harrisburg,” Rep. Benninghoff said. “Even in some more economic bleak times, we’ve tried to continue to do that.”
Lynda Mussi, Executive Director of The Learning Station, offered a glimpse into life at an early learning center during COVID—describing both visually and verbally how providers have been supporting our children, families, and businesses during this unique year. Joining her in the discussion were Michael Danneker, Township Manager for Spring Township, Jenn DeBell, Executive Director for Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children (PennAEYC), Bruce Clash, State Director of Fight Crime: Invest In Kids, and Tracy Weaver, Outreach Coordinator, PennAEYC.
“We still have many, many obstacles, but we believe heavily that early education is the most fundamental and the most important investment that we can provide for our children,” said Mussi.
Speakers made it clear that despite the challenges associated with COVID, pre-k is working and is supported by the Centre County community. Michael Danneker, who participated in the tour and discussion, offered his unique law enforcement perspective, and agreed that high quality pre-k promotes not just the hard skills like math, reading, writing and science—but the increasingly important soft skills—communication, collaboration, and critical thinking.
“Being in law enforcement for so long, I think that really there is no substitute for pre-k. I think it’s so important the way it lays out the foundation for kids and how they achieve in the future,” Danneker said. “I can’t say enough about how every little piece counts, and every dollar we spend is an investment—invest in our kids, so we have a positive future for them.”
A new study by the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill confirmed that the commonwealth’s investment in pre-k is paying dividends for the children fortunate enough to access pre-k through Pennsylvania’s Pre-K Counts program. In language and math skills, the study showed that these kids outperformed their kindergarten peers who did not enjoy access—an advantage that equated to four to five months of learning gains, which is a substantial difference in development at that age.
Governor Wolf’s proposed 2021-22 PA budget includes a $25 million increase for Pre-K Counts and $5 million increase for the Head Start State Supplemental Assistance Program, which continues the tradition of expanding access to high quality pre-k. This new funding will allow 3,271 additional children to enroll in these high-quality early learning programs.
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. For more information www.prekforpa.org.
# # #
ERIE, PA (May 6, 2021) – Pre-K Counts provider Early Connections welcomed PA State Representative Curt Sonney and local leaders today for a virtual tour and conversation on the challenges of providing pre-k during the COVID-19 pandemic. Local leaders spoke to Rep. Sonney about the continued need to serve the almost 2,500 eligible children across Erie County who still lack access to this once-in-a-lifetime learning opportunity.
“Investing in education has always been a top priority,” Rep. Sonney said. “It is really, more than anything, just helping these young children with the social and emotional aspects of being in school and learning how to be accepting of others and learning how to listen to the teacher and there’s no doubt that’s critical.”
Michelle Harkens, Executive Director of Early Connections, offered a glimpse into life at an early learning center during COVID – describing both visually and verbally how providers have been supporting our children, families, and businesses during this unique year. Joining her in the discussion were Erie County District Attorney Jack Daneri, Nick Scott, Jr., Vice-President of Scott Enterprises and a Commissioner on Pennsylvania’s Early Learning Investment Commission, Kim Early, Director of Advocacy and Public Policy for Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children (PennAEYC), Bruce Clash, State Director of Fight Crime: Invest In Kids, and Tracy Weaver, Outreach Coordinator, PennAEYC.
“We have our rock stars, our staff, and so many of our childcare staff throughout our community that are dedicated to serving the children and their families,” Harkens said. “There has been funding, but that really isn’t sustainable when we look at the cost of what is needed now because of the pandemic to keep our staff and our children safe.”
Speakers made it clear that despite the challenges associated with COVID, pre-k is working and is supported by the Erie community. Both Nick Scott, Jr. and District Attorney Jack Daneri participated in the tour and discussion. From two very different perspectives, they both agreed that high quality pre-k promotes not just the hard skills like math, reading, writing and science—but the increasingly important soft skills—communication, collaboration, and critical thinking.
“I think all success starts with a good foundation, and obviously, the start of these kids’ lives is so important,” Scott, Jr. said. “Generally, people who can make great decisions, and have a great future help our company, but they need a good start, so I think early education is a key to the future of our business.”
Enthusiasm for early education was echoed by Mr. Daneri. “I think we all realize the importance of investing in the youth,” District Attorney Daneri said. “I don’t think anything could be more important than that latching on to and investing in their future, as soon as possible. If that means increase in funding, then absolutely that is money well spent.”
A new study by the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill confirmed that the Commonwealth’s investment in pre-k is paying dividends for the children fortunate enough to access pre-k through Pennsylvania’s Pre-K Counts program. In language and math skills, the study showed that these kids outperformed their kindergarten peers who did not enjoy access – an advantage that equated to four to five months of learning gains, which is a substantial difference in development at that age.
Governor Wolf’s proposed 2021-22 PA budget includes a $25 million increase for Pre-K Counts and $5 million increase for the Head Start State Supplemental Assistance Program, which continues the tradition of expanding access to high quality pre-k. This new funding will allow 3,271 additional children to enroll in these high-quality early learning programs.
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. For more information www.prekforpa.org.
# # #
First Lady Frances Wolf Celebrates Early Childhood Education During Virtual Visit with Pre-K Classrooms
HARRISBURG (March 31, 2021) – Today, First Lady Frances Wolf joined the Pre-K for PA campaign in praising the perseverance of educators and students during a virtual visit with pre-k providers across the commonwealth.
Mrs. Wolf spoke with pre-k teachers, administrators, and advocates about the benefits of high- quality early-learning programs, how teachers adapted their teaching during the pandemic, how the families of pre-k students are managing, and what education advocates hope to see following the pandemic.
“Early childhood educators have worked tirelessly to support our youngest learners amidst the very challenging circumstances brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, and Tom and I express our deepest gratitude for their dedication to the well-being of our children, their families, and Pennsylvania as a whole,” said First Lady Wolf. “For this, we owe it to them to ensure they have the resources they need to help mold our children into the leaders of tomorrow.”
“We’re so pleased to be able to keep this tradition alive during the pandemic,” said Jen DeBell, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children, a Pre- K for PA principal partner. “Our celebration may look very different this year, but everything looks different, including our pre-k classrooms. These programs have gone to great expense and great lengths to keep the children safe.”
Understanding that children who participate in high-quality pre-k programs perform better in school, are more likely to graduate, and earn more throughout their lives compared to peers without access to early learning programs, the governor’s 2021-22 budget proposes a $25 million increase in Pre-K Counts funding and $5 million increase in funding for the Head Start Supplemental Program. This new funding will allow 3,271 additional children to enroll in the state’s high-quality early learning programs.
Each spring, Governor and First Lady Wolf, in partnership with Pre-K for PA, invite classrooms to the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence to participate in an Easter egg hunt and celebrate the importance of high-quality, accessible early learning programs.
This year, to ensure the safety of all participants and include more preschoolers, Pre-K for PA sent the egg hunt to classrooms across the state and encouraged teachers to share photos and videos on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram with the hashtag #iamprek. The hunt culminated in a virtual classroom visit with the
First Lady, giving her an opportunity to see and hear first-hand about the pandemic experiences of preschool teachers, students, administrators, and advocates. The full virtual visit can be found at https://pacast.com/m?p=18632.
###
Study Shows that Pennsylvania Children Who Attend Pre-K Counts Programs Outperform Kids Who Don’t Have Access
Pre-k helps improve language and math skills at a rate equivalent to approximately 4-5 more months of learning, compared to peers
HARRISBURG, PA (March 16, 2021) – A report issued today by researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC Chapel Hill) shows Pennsylvania’s investment in publicly funded pre-k is making an impact on the children who participate in high-quality pre-k programs. The report, which evaluated the impact of Pennsylvania’s publicly funded Pre-K Counts program by comparing kindergarten students who had attended Pre-K Counts programs to their peers who did not attend Pre-K Counts programs, is the first independent statewide evaluation of Pennsylvania student outcomes. Pennsylvania is one of 32 states funding pre-k for 3- and 4-year-olds and serves about 25,000 children with Pre-K Counts across the Commonwealth each year.
The principal partners of the Pre-K for PA campaign issued the following statement on the report:
“Pre-k in PA is working! The bottom line of this report is that children fortunate enough to access pre-k through Pennsylvania’s Pre-K Counts program are succeeding in kindergarten. In language and math skills, the study showed that these kids outperformed their kindergarten peers who did not enjoy access to this once-in-a-lifetime early learning experience – an advantage that equated to four to five months of learning gains, which is a substantial difference in development at that age. These outcomes are significant, because language and math skills have been shown to be the school readiness skills that most strongly predict later academic achievement.
“The report confirms what we knew all along – the Commonwealth’s investment in pre-k pays dividends. The report also shows that strengthening the pre-k experience would further strengthen outcomes, providing an even stronger return on investment. Researchers noted that Pre-K Counts has higher standards than most other state-funded pre-k programs across the country – a point of pride for Pennsylvania. An even greater investment would help the Commonwealth ensure that more students have access to publicly funded pre-k and that the programs have the resources required to ensure students achieve even greater gains.
“Children entering kindergarten ready to succeed has been the touchstone of the Pre-K for PA campaign since its launch in 2014. Pre-K for PA will continue to advocate on behalf of Pennsylvania’s youngest learners alongside the Republican and Democrat lawmakers who have consistently supported the expansion since we began this important work together.”
#####
Governor’s Budget Proposal Advances Portions of PA’s Early Learning System
Proposal includes increase in pre-k, utilizes federal funds to boost child care rates and level funds home visiting programs
HARRISBURG, PA (February 4, 2021) – The principal partners of Early Learning Pennsylvania (ELPA), a statewide coalition of advocates focused on supporting young Pennsylvanians from birth to age five, commend Governor Wolf’s 2021-22 budget proposal’s emphasis on Pennsylvania families. As a coalition that focuses on greater access to the Commonwealth’s continuum of high-quality early care and education services, we applaud the governor’s continued commitment to growing state funding for pre-k, however additional effort is needed to boost the availability of quality child care and home visiting services that are essential to Pennsylvania’s working families and our economic recovery.
ELPA operates three issue-based advocacy campaigns: Pre-K for PA, Start Strong PA and Childhood Begins at Home. Reaction statements from these respective campaigns regarding the governor’s proposed 2021-22 budget follow.
PRE-K
“During a difficult budget year, Governor Wolf deserves credit for his continued support of expanded access to publicly funded, high-quality pre-k in PA. The $30 million funding increase for these programs in the proposed 2021-22 PA budget ($25 million for Pre-K Counts; $5 million for Head Start State Supplemental Assistance Program) continues the tradition of expanding this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to thousands more 3- and 4-year-olds.
“A new study by the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill confirmed that the Commonwealth’s investment in pre-k is paying dividends for the children fortunate enough to access pre-k through Pennsylvania’s Pre-K Counts program. In language and math skills, the study showed that these kids outperformed their kindergarten peers who did not enjoy access – an advantage that equated to four to five months of learning gains, which is a substantial difference in development at that age and a meaningful advantage during the COVID-19 era.
“In Pennsylvania, almost two-thirds of children enrolled in Pre-K Counts attend these classes at a high-quality Keystone STARS 3 or 4 child care provider. As such, the overall stability of our child care system is of paramount concern to serving more pre-k eligible children.”
CHILD CARE
“Start Strong PA commends the Wolf Administration for utilizing existing federal child care funds to increase subsidy base rates. For a sector struggling to survive in the wake of COVID-19 and the economic shutdown, increasing base rates to move towards paying programs the actual cost of the care they provide is important.
“Pennsylvania’s working families struggled to find and afford high-quality child care prior to the pandemic. Today’s economic downturn has only exacerbated this problem. Start Strong PA urges Governor Wolf and the Pennsylvania General Assembly to address these child care needs by quickly utilizing federal funds to serve 3,000 additional eligible infants and toddlers in high-quality slots through contracts, which provides greater financial stability to providers. This proposal would implement the Governor’s Workforce Command Center recommendation to increase access to high-quality child care. Serving more eligible infants and toddlers, coupled with a smart investment strategy of new, incoming federal child care stimulus funds to first address under-enrollment in programs due to the pandemic, would not only be a win for children and families but will address a critical workforce support essential in our economic recovery.”
EVIDENCE-BASED HOME VISITING
“The Childhood Begins at Home campaign is disappointed that the governor’s 2021-22 state budget proposal does not include an increase for voluntary, evidence-based home visiting programs in Pennsylvania for the second year in a row. Given the current environment, the decision to not increase investments so more families are able to participate is perplexing, because families need home visiting now more than ever.
“Beginning in the 2017-18 budget through 2019-20, the campaign saw momentum and support building in the form of steady funding increases to connect more pregnant women, children and families to voluntary, evidence-based home visiting services, and Pennsylvania was becoming a national leader for delivering services that improve maternal health, child well-being and family self-sufficiency.
“Even before the pandemic, Pennsylvania parents struggling to make ends meet and juggling the challenges of raising their young children benefited from voluntary visits that provide parent education and support. Under the crush of the current public health crisis, isolation, stress and unemployment have made home visiting more essential than ever. Not including funds to reach more families with young children makes little sense when these programs uniquely meet families’ needs in the early care and education continuum.
“Only 5% of the pregnant women, children and families who would benefit the most from evidence-based home visiting programs are served currently. The campaign sought a combined increase of $12.4 million in the Community-Based Family Centers and Nurse-Family Partnership line items in the 2021-22 budget.
“The governor’s remarks spoke to the challenges faced by young families just starting out in the Commonwealth – their challenges and dreams for their children – and how we can remove barriers to provide for a brighter future. We hope to work collaboratively with the administration and legislature to expand evidence-based home visiting services to match that commitment with the resources to make it a reality.”
Governor Wolf’s state budget proposal included:
- $25 million in additional funding for the state’s Pre-K Counts program.
- $5 million in additional funding for the Head Start Supplemental Assistance Program. Together, this $30 million expansion would serve approximately 3,270 additional young children. Currently more than 106,000 eligible three- and four-year-olds do not have access to high-quality publicly funded pre-k programs.
- $87 million in existing federal child care funds to increase child care base rates.
- Level funding for home visiting.
Pre-K for PA launched in 2014 with the vision that every 3- and 4-year-old in Pennsylvania will have access to high-quality pre-k. Learn more at www.prekforpa.org.
Start Strong PA launched in 2019 to support healthy child development, working families, and the economy by increasing access to and affordability of high-quality child care programs for young children. Learn more at www.startstrongpa.org.
Childhood Begins At Home is a statewide campaign to help policymakers and the public understand the value of evidence-based home visiting and support public investments in the programs. Learn more at www.childhoodbeginsathome.org.
###
