Chambersburg Public Opinion : Link between lack of pre-K education and crime
by Chief David J. Arnold, Chambersburg Police Department
I was shocked to read that 87 percent of Franklin County’s three- and four-year-olds do not have access to high-quality pre-kindergarten programs. … I agree that Pennsylvania must expand access to high-quality pre-kindergarten programs to help them be ready for school and to become productive and law-abiding citizens.
Click here to read the full article online.
Public Opinion, Chambersburg:
Link between lack of pre-K education and crime (Letter)
“I was shocked to read that 87 percent of Franklin County’s three- and four-year-olds do not have access to high-quality pre-kindergarten programs.
For years, I have supported investments in high-quality early education for their proven impact on improving school readiness and reducing future crime. Research clearly documents how high-quality pre-kindergarten can jump start the learning process for children, ensuring that they enter school ready to learn and have a much better chance of finishing high school.
As a police chief, I can tell you that educational failure threatens the futures of too many of our most vulnerable children. Look to the numbers: Nearly 70 percent of America’s state prison inmates fail to receive a high school diploma. Unfortunately for too many children, it is as simple as education or incarceration. By steering these children clear of crime and violence and toward positive community contributions, high-quality early learning programs can return as much as $10 in savings for every $1 invested over the long term.
I agree that Pennsylvania must expand access to high-quality pre-kindergarten programs to help them be ready for school and to become productive and law-abiding citizens.”
Chief David J. Arnold, Chambersburg Police Department
See published version online.
TheTimes-Tribune.com : Close gap before it opens
by Gen. Daniel J. O’Neill and Gen. Michael A. Dunn
Only one of six of Pennsylvania’s preschool-age kids currently benefit from existing publicly funded preschool programs. In Lackawanna County, 53 percent, or more than 2,500 kids ages 3 and 4, do not have access to high-quality pre-k. This must change. This is why Mission: Readiness is supporting the Pre-K for PA Campaign – an issue education campaign supported by individuals and organizations across Pennsylvania who believe that affording all children the opportunity to enter school ready to succeed is the right choice and an urgent necessity.
Click here to read the full article online.
WESA: Life of Learning Forum: Investment in Pre-K Critical to Future Educational Success
“Last week, a panel of experts gathered at the Community Broadcast Center to discuss what the future of the learning/education system should look like to be as effective as possible for the region’s children. The public forum tackled a range of questions from the audience, including the state of early childhood education.
Panelist Patrick Dowd, executive director of Allies for Children, said in recent years more attention has been paid to the importance of early childhood education, but added there are still too many children who don’t have access to pre-K programs. In addition to lack of access, another panelist said there is an opportunity gap among very young children.
“We have children who come to school who have no food,” said Olga Welch, dean of the School of Education at Duquesne University. “We have children who come out of homes where parents are struggling to make a living and to provide a roof, we have children who are homeless.”
Because so many children come from so many difference backgrounds, Welch said an effort must be made to ensure safe learning environments for children. She said access to quality pre-K must be thought of as a community-wide issue.”
Read the full story here.
CBS Philly: Area Early Education Advocates Send A Message — With A Face — To Harrisburg
“Each year, the Delaware Valley Association for the Education of Young Children holds a conference, but executive director Sharon Easterling says this is a particularly important year for the conference because of the Pennsylvania governor’s race.
“When folks are running for office they tend to listen to what constituents want. About 80 percent of people in Pennsylvania think investing
in pre-K is a good idea,” she said today.
To get that message across, her organization has launched the “PreKforPA” web site and is pushing its #IamPreK social media compaign.”
Read the full story here.
Bucks County Courier Times: No question about it, pre-K helps children succeed
Guest opinion from Bensalem Township School District superintendent David E. Baugh and president of the Bucks County Women’s Advocacy Coalition Nancy Morrill:
“Most professional educators, no matter whether we are public, private, parochial or charter school, believe that expanded investment in early learning is essential, because it helps ensure that every child has the best chance possible for academic and social success. Obviously this has long-term benefits for the country and the child.
Support for high-quality pre-K is reaching a tipping point in Pennsylvania. This is one issue that has bipartisan support in the state Legislature’s 127-member Early Childhood Education Caucus. Think about that!”
Read the full story here.
