F.A.Q.

The campaign believes that a core ingredient of high-quality pre-k programs is degreed teachers with early childhood training. In Pennsylvania, such programs include Pre-K Counts, Head Start, private academic nursery schools, STAR 3 and 4 child care programs and pre-k operated by public schools.

The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) has set the standard for high-quality pre-k programs. NIEER convened a national research advisory panel to review the literature on pre-k and create a 10-point rating scale, which includes teacher qualifications, standards, group size, child-adult ratios, etc. PA Pre-K Counts received a ranking of 7 and Head Start is ranked at 8. Additional NIEER research indicates that one core element of quality is the qualifications of the pre-k teacher. All publicly funded pre-k programs in PA require teachers to have college degrees and early childhood training. Accreditation is another indicator of high-quality. NAEYC, NAFCC and Middle States all provide accreditation for PA pre-k programs based on high-quality standards.

The research shows that the early years are a crucial time in a child’s development. Pre-k lays the foundation for a child’s success in school and beyond. A growing body of research has shown the majority of brain development occurs by age 5, and the learning a child experiences in this critical period can significantly influence later cognitive, behavioral, educational and economic outcomes. It truly is a “once in a lifetime” opportunity, and quality pre-kindergarten provides the cognitive, social and emotional development needed to harness a child’s potential during this formative time. It helps create a solid foundation upon which the rest of a child’s education – from kindergarten through high school graduation – can be built.

No. The goals of this campaign are to help every child access high-quality pre-kindergarten, both in public and private settings. Pennsylvania’s current pre-k programs are delivered through a wide array of public and private entities, not just public schools. An expansion of pre-k in PA would continue this long and successful tradition.

Pennsylvania taxpayers deserve to have their money used wisely regardless of the state of the economy, and high-quality pre-k is one of the smartest investments we can make in our children, our communities and our economy. If Pennsylvania wants to create a competitive, world-class workforce in the midst of a challenging fiscal environment, investing in high-quality pre-k is one of the smartest ways to accomplish this goal.

Every dollar invested in these programs helps prepare our youngest learners for success in school and in life. Longitudinal research studies indicate that as much as $17 is returned on every $1 invested in high-quality early learning programs. Pre-k saves the commonwealth money in the long term by reducing the need for special education and remedial instruction, increasing the likelihood of graduation and college enrollment, and decreasing dropout rates, crime and incarceration. Economists and business leaders are increasingly convinced that high-quality early education is a sound investment – creating a productive workforce, stimulating the economy, and yielding significant financial returns.

The question is not how can we fund worthwhile programs like these, but rather, how can we afford not to?

The goal of Pre-K for PA is to make a high-quality pre-k education available for any family that wants it for their child. In some cases, a family might not have a high-quality program available in the community, while other families might not be able to afford such programs. While a family’s income might be a factor that helps determine priority access to high-quality pre-k, it certainly is not the only factor.

Funding for pre-k is already part of Pennsylvania’s annual state budget, but it is not enough to meet the need for every 3- and 4-year-old. In fact, the amount of public funds available for pre-k in Pennsylvania is only enough to help 1 in 6 children access high-quality programs at ages 3 or 4. Later this spring, the campaign will release a white paper detailing program and financing options. More details will be provided at that time on both the fiscal impact to the state and the cost for families.

Pre-k is an important part of the education continuum and saves us money in the long-run. It is important to weigh how much it might cost with what it will save – and the beneficial impact it has on our kids. High-quality pre-k fuels cost savings in the education realm. A Pennsylvania study found school districts investing in pre-k could recoup as much as 78 percent of their pre-k spending in education savings. Providing targeted preschool programs could reduce special education expenditures in the state by at least 8 percent annually ($68 million).

Pennsylvania voters have shown strong, bipartisan support for investing more into high-quality pre-k in the commonwealth. A statewide survey was conducted in November 2013, commissioned by the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia. The results showed that 67% of Pennsylvania voters support expanding access to high-quality pre-k, including majorities across Democrats, Republicans and independents. 63 percent of Pennsylvanians support increasing funding for pre-k, including 51 percent who “strongly” support increased investments. Strong support exists even if increased pre-k investments meant an increase in taxes, with 58 percent of those polled saying they favor increased funding even if it required a tax increase.

Pre-K for PA is strictly nonpartisan and intends to educate the public and policymakers on the wisdom and urgency of ensuring access to high quality pre-k. The campaign will neither endorse nor oppose candidates.

The goal of the campaign is to educate the public, policymakers and those seeking public office about the benefits of pre-k and elevate a much-needed public policy discussion about how Pennsylvania can better benefit from pre-k. The Pre-K for PA issue campaign will be encouraging candidates at all levels to learn more about pre-k and consider ways to make high-quality pre-k more accessible across the commonwealth.