Lancaster, PA (June 1, 2021) – Community Action Partnership of Lancaster County welcomed PA State Senator Scott Martin 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 Senator Martin about the continued need to serve the more than 7,000 eligible children across Lancaster County who still lack access to this once-in-a-lifetime learning opportunity.
“I absolutely support efforts to increase capacity that we need and right now they’re needed more than ever,” Senator Martin said. “We can’t get a lot of people back to work if they don’t have good options related to their young children, you can count on my support.”
Stacy Lewis, Director at Head Start Programs Community Action Partnership 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 Lieutenant General (Ret.) Dennis L. Benchoff, U.S. Army, Robert Krasne, Chairman & CEO at Steinman Communications, Steve Doster, State Director at Mission: Readiness, Kim Early, Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at PennAEYC, Blair Hyatt, Executive Director at Pennsylvania Head Start Association, and Jan Schwartz, Outreach Director at PennAEYC.
“Prior to the pandemic, approximately one in four children had access to a funded pre-k high quality program, and what we know now is that since the pandemic we are actually at a net loss for childcare providers in Lancaster County.” said Lewis. “While some new centers have opened, those that have called close their doors, either on an interim basis or permanently, still outnumbers the new programs, so we are currently down fifteen licensed providers.
Speakers made it clear that despite the challenges associated with COVID, pre-k is working and is supported by the Lancaster County community. Both Robert Krasne and General Benchoff participated in the tour and discussion. From two 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.
“Early childhood education addresses two issues coincidentally. First, it gets Pennsylvania’s children off to a great start in life, helps make them lifelong learners, and prepares them to be great in school and beyond. At the same time, by enabling young children to go into early childhood education programs, it enables their parents or caregivers to get time back so that they can reenter the work force,” Krasne said. “You can invest in the future workforce and invest in expanding the present workforce.”
Enthusiasm for early education was echoed by General Benchoff. “We see the lack of qualifications for military service or any other type of good job that individuals like to do once they graduate from high school as being better addressed by early childhood education and preschool programs,” Benchoff said.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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