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Pre-K Now press releases, statements, and breaking news

Pre-K Now Reacts to Research on Pre-K Expulsions Pre-K Now executive director Libby Doggett issued the following statement in response to "Implementing Policies to Reduce the Likelihood of Preschool Expulsion," released today by the Foundation for Child Development. Said Doggett: "The most important take-away from this report is that quality in pre-k programs really matters.... It is much more cost effective to ensure that programs, teachers, children, and families receive the services and supports they need early on - when problems are more easily corrected and before children are expelled - rather than later on when bad behavior has escalated and is more ingrained." On the Heels of New Federal Requirements, States Receive Practical Advice The recent Head Start reauthorization offers states a new opportunity to refine and coordinate early childhood programs. For those grappling with the most effective ways to do this, a report released today by ZERO TO THREE and Pre-K Now provides specific suggestions and strategies to improve the often complex systems serving babies, toddlers, and pre-kindergarteners. Report: Pre-K Momentum Climbs to an All-Time High A record-breaking 36 states increased funding for pre-kindergarten according to a report released today by Pre-K Now. "Votes Count: Legislative Action on Pre-K Fiscal Year 2008," an annual state-by-state analysis of legislative support for pre-k, shows historic momentum for funding early education across the country, with 528 million new dollars committed to providing at least 88,000 more children access to pre-k. The number of states increasing pre-k funding breaks last year's record of 34, and far exceeds the FY05 record of 15. New PSA campaign by Pre-K Now to encourage Latino parents to enroll their kids in pre-k programs Latino children make up more than 20 percent (4.2 million) of the under five population in this country, and in some key states they add up to an even larger percentage. But according to a study by Pre-K Now only 40 percent of Hispanic children aged three to five are enrolled in early education programs nationally, compared to 59 percent of Caucasians and 64 percent of African Americans. To alleviate this growing problem, Pre-K Now and the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies are introducing a Spanish-language outreach campaign, "Prekinder: Aprendiendo a aprender" (Learning to learn), consisting of TV and radio PSAs that provide a toll-free telephone number where information about pre-k programs in local communities can be obtained. Pre-K Now Executive Director, Libby Doggett on Pre-K Legislation Proposed by Congresswoman Hirono "We applaud Congresswoman Hirono's vision and commitment to providing children across this country with greater access to high-quality early learning programs that will benefit them, their families, and ultimately, our nation."... The legislation, introduced today by Rep. Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and co-sponsored by Reps. George Miller (D-CA), Susan Davis (D-CA), John Tierney (D-MA), and Robert Andrews (D-NJ) would provide $1,000,000,000 (per fiscal year through 2013) in federal funds for states with pre-k programs to assist in teacher training, small class size, and comprehensive services such as health screening and nutrition. Libby Doggett Among High-Profile Panelists Responding to Senators' Pre-K Proposals In testimony today at the Center for American Progress, Executive Director of Pre-K Now Libby Doggett, Ph.D. spoke before a filled room of child advocates, community leaders and current and former policymakers on the historic nature of two recently introduced pieces of legislation: Senator Clinton's "Ready to Learn" bill and Senator Casey's "Prepare All Kids" bill. Congressional Leaders Honor Local Pre-K Advocates on Capitol Hill Members of Congress representing Iowa, New York and Vermont today recognized pre-kindergarten advocates from their respective states for their exceptional pre-k leadership at the state level.... "Because of visionaries and organizations like these, more of our country's children will enter school prepared to learn and thrive, in school and in life," said Libby Doggett, executive director of Pre-K Now. Groundbreaking Report Calls for State-Funded Pre-k for All Military Children Pre-K Now and the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) today joined forces in calling for states to support America's military personnel by providing high-quality pre-kindergarten to their children. Pre-K Now and the Military Child Education Coalition to Hold Live and Telephone Press Conference on State-Funded Pre-K for Military-Connected Children Pre-K Now and the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) will hold a live and telephonic press conference on July 11 to release a report examining the unique challenges faced by today's young military-families and calling on state leaders to actively support America's military personnel by providing high-quality pre-kindergarten to their children. Statement on the National Summit on America's Children Pre-K Now is encouraged to see that Members of Congress are learning about the wealth of research that proves investments in high-quality early care and education yield benefits for our children, our families and ultimately, our country.... It is high time that helping America's parents put their children on a trajectory for success in school and in life becomes a national priority. High-quality pre-k is a proven solution that does just that.