NEWS ROOM
State Budget Fails to Address Crisis in Early Childhood Sector to the Detriment of Working Families and Employers
HARRISBURG, PA (July 11, 2024) – Today, the principal partners of the Pre-K for PA and Start Strong PA Campaigns issued the following statements regarding Senate Bill 1001 that awaits the expected signature of Governor Shapiro to become the enacted 2024-25...
PA Legislative Latino Caucus, First Up, and Latino Educando Juntos Urge Investments Needed for Early Learning Teacher Recruitment and Retention
PA Legislative Latino Caucus Chairman Rep. Danilo Burgos, Hispanic child care providers and families rallied today at the Capitol along with allies Sen. David Argall, Sen. Jimmy Dillon, Sen. Tim Kearney, Rep. Donna Bullock, Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, Rep. Justin Flemming, Rep. Dane Watro, and other advocates to underscore how a growing early care and education teacher shortage, driven by low compensation, is closing classrooms and programs throughout Pennsylvania and driving up waitlists for working families.
York Dispatch: OpEd: Quality pre-K prepares kids for school
As a kindergarten teacher of nearly 17 years, I am often asked if I notice a difference between kids who have attended prekindergarten and those who have not. My answer is always the same: YES, YES, and YES!
Morning Call: Your View by retired Allentown police chief: ‘Spend more on potential, less on penitentiaries’
Pennsylvania’s law enforcement professionals are tough on criminals because it is their job and their mission, but we know that safer communities start with diverting youth from lives of crime in the first place. We can fight crime by assuring that each Pennsylvania child earns a high school diploma and grows up to lead a productive, law-abiding life. This path demands a continuum of public investment in childhood, building a foundation of success from birth through graduation.
Morning Call: LTE: Early education still a priority
My son started preschool this week. I know I’m not alone with all of my questions and anxieties, as I send him each day.
Pocono Record: LTE: Pennsylvania Needs to Invest in Pre-K Programs
In our community alone, there are nearly 3,000 children ages 3-4 that are income eligible for Pre-K classrooms, but only 584 children are served. We need a much stronger commitment to ensure every child has the opportunity to be ready for success entering kindergarten and throughout their educational journey!
MEDIA CONTACT
Kate Philips
215-850-4647
kphilips@prekforpa.org
EARLY EDUCATION EXPERTS
If you are a reporter looking for comment or background from one of our early education experts, please Kate Philips at kphilips@prekforpa.org.
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WTAJ: Governor Shapiro Highlights Early Education at Easter Event
Governor Josh Shapiro and First Lady Lori Shapiro hosted an Easter egg hunt to highlight the need for high-quality early childhood programs across the Commonwealth.
Penn-Capital Star: Ahead of Shapiro’s budget, poll stresses funding for early child care
Eighty-five percent of provider respondents to the poll commissioned by the advocacy groups Start Strong PA and Pre-K for PA said they face staffing shortages, while 50 percent said they’ve shuttered at least one classroom in response to the staffing gap.