Pocono Record: LTE: Pennsylvania Needs to Invest in Pre-K Programs
June 5, 2020
As Executive Director of Pocono Services for Families and Children, I want to add my support to the Pre-K for PA and Start Strong PA campaigns to ensure high-quality preschool education and care for all Monroe County children. 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!
The State Department of Economic Development has long recognized the direct link between high quality childcare and education and the economic advantages that come to communities who invest in developing greater access to these opportunities. These are also the communities, who are recognized by businesses, as ones with potentially more qualified, committed employees and an overall higher quality of life. This is why we need to advocate for the State to increase its investment in this high-yield return for our community.
Providing the opportunity for success to our youngest citizens will ensure a strong future.
Tim Lee, Executive Director, Pocono Services for Families and Children
Read the full Letter to the Editor here.