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Pre-K Now
Pre-K Press Examples
Letter to the Editor

A letter to the editor should be submitted to a publication about pre-k issues that have appeared in the publication. While the letter should touch on the article in question, it should not repeat the author's argument. Letters to the editor should be used to underline your message, not the opposition's. Average length is 150 words, but always check with the publication for length limits and deadlines.

This letter was published in the The Washington Times in June 2005.

Pre-K Works with Parents
Re: "Preschool loosens parent-child bonds", Michael Smith, June 13, 2005.

Michael Smith's concern for children's well being is understandable, but misplaced. Contrary to Smith's assertions, meaningful parent involvement is a key element of all quality pre-k programs. Moreover, decades of solid academic research have proven that children who attend high-quality, voluntary pre-k programs have stronger educational and social skills than children who do not.

Currently 41 states have some type of publicly funded pre-k program and none of them are compulsory, nor should they be. Parent choice is paramount in any pre-k system and naturally, some families opt out altogether. Add to this the fact that most programs are half day, and Smith's concerns about family disruption are without merit.

High-quality, voluntary pre-k complements and enhances good parenting. A good pre-k program is built around parents' expectations; they should feel welcome and involved. Pre-k is the perfect opportunity to engage parents early in their child's education.

Finally, it is important to note that working mothers and stay-at-home mothers opt to send their children to pre-k at virtually the same rates. As Smith himself says, "Supporting what we know works and allowing parents to freely choose is the wisest course of action for a child's early education." Armed with evidence from more than 40 years of studies showing the benefits of pre-k, families are doing just that.

Libby Doggett, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Pre-K Now
 
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Tips & Tasks for State Advisory Councils
While reauthorizing Head Start in 2007, Congress added a new provision requiring every state to create or designate a State Advisory Council to better coordinate early education and care services. Pre-K Now has two new resources designed to help policymakers and advocates navigate the process of setting up Councils and seize the opportunities offered by them.
State Advisory Councils brief (PDF)
Council planning template (PDF)
Meeting the Challenge of Rural Pre-K
Families everywhere struggle to find high-quality pre-k programs for their children, but the problem is even more acute in rural areas. Pre-K Now has come out with recommendations for federal policymakers to help states meet the unique challenges of rural pre-k.
download the white paper (PDF)
see our other federal policy work
Video: Briefing on America's Pre-K Movement
Pre-K Now held a briefing for congressional staff, cosponsored by Sen. Hillary Clinton and Sen. Kit Bond, on October 1. Hear what a governor, three superintendents, two directors of early childhood programs, and a national teacher of the year think Congress should do to increase families' access to quality, state-funded pre-k.
watch and learn more
Good parenting is enhanced by a high-quality pre-k program.