March 20, 2010
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Early Education


Early Education

The two main areas for federal advocacy on early education are:

  • Head Start - This program provides educational and other comprehensive support services to approximately 1 million disadvantaged children.
  • Voluntary Pre-kindergarten - Publicly funded, high quality preschool programs for all three- and four-year olds.

Why Is This Important To Your School District?

Publicly funded preschool programs can raise student achievement by providing a solid foundation on which children can build.  Numerous studies have shown that programs which provide children developmentally appropriate stimulation in their early years can help to close some of the achievement gaps that exist among children even before they enter school.  Research has also documented that children who participate in high-quality preschool programs demonstrate greater interest in learning, are less likely to repeat a grade of require special education classes, and are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college.

What to Tell Congress:  NSBA's Position

NSBA urges policymakers increase funding for the newly reauthorized Head Start program, which currently serves over 900,000 low-income children and their families through a network of 1,600 public and private agencies. In addition, NSBA urges Congress to create a new federal grant program to help support high quality preschool programs for all children whose families wish them to attend.

Visit our Legislative Action Center to find out what's happening in Congress now.


Resources

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