OPINION PAGES

In Gov. Tom Wolf’s recent budget 2019-2020 proposal, education was again a focus. As an elected school board member, I am glad to see our evolving understanding of the importance of funding the full continuum of high-quality early childhood education for all children. Specifically, the governor’s proposed investment of $50 million for high-quality pre-K is a big win for thousands of Pennsylvania’s youngest children.

Of this I’m certain: Pre-K education is a valuable experience all Pennsylvania children should have access to for its proven social, emotional and developmental benefits.

While the increased funding will help many children to access quality pre-K programs and start kindergarten fully prepared for formal schooling, more funds are needed to cover all eligible children.

I wanted to continue to work and earn for my family while giving her the skills she needed to be kindergarten-ready. We found the Forks YMCA Education Center’s Pre-K Counts program and it was a blessing to our family at a very critical time.

I appreciate the support of law enforcement. Their argument is powerful — we need our youth to be educated, not incarcerated, and that process starts early. I hope the legislature again prioritizes pre-K in the final budget.

Investment in high-quality early education is a crucial component in the development of communities across the state. I commend Gov. Tom Wolf for his proposed expansion of pre-K with an additional $40 million investment that will serve 4,400 more children statewide.

We at Cuddle Zone are writing to recognize Sen. Pat Browne’s recent visit to our center. Sen. Browne has long supported public investment in pre-K education, and his visit is evidence that it remains a legislative priority for him.