Early Education Investments in Pennsylvania
“The best Investment in economic development that government and the private sector can make is in the healthy development of children.”
Art Rolnick, Ph.D., Senior Vice President and
Director of Research at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis
|
· By the age of five, more than 85% of the foundation for communications, critical thinking, problem-solving and teamwork is developed. These are skills that employers nationwide cite as critical to success in the workplace. · Early learning is linked to a state's future vitality. In order for Pennsylvania to compete national and internationally, we need a quality skilled workforce. Quality early education gives our children a leading edge in their academic achievement and future career success. · Investing in early education is a solid economic investment. Cost benefit analysis of the Perry Preschool Program in Michigan has revealed that for every $1 spent, an estimated $17 was saved in lower public expenditures for education, public assistance, delinquency, crime control, and other public spending programs. · Success of every child in Pennsylvania translates into a more competitive workforce and greater tax base. · Children who have access to quality early learning opportunities can overcome risk factors to succeed in school and life. |
Pennsylvania Early Learning Programs at a Glance
(Reprinted with the permission of Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children)
Pre-K Counts – Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts, established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education in 2007, provides quality half-day and full-day pre-kindergarten to 11,800 3-and 4-year-olds in Pennsylvania. The focus is on children who are at risk of academic failure due to income, special needs, language, or other issues.
Keystone STARS – Started as a pilot program in 2002, Keystone STARS has been proven to improve the quality of child care through standards, training assistance, resources and support. The standards address staff qualifications and professional development, the early learning program, partnerships with family and community, and leadership and management. As of January 2009, almost 181,000 children were being served in the program.
Head Start Supplemental Assistance Program (HSSAP) – Head Start began at the national level in 1965 to break the cycle of poverty by providing comprehensive early learning and family support services to young children. In 2004, Pennsylvania made it possible for more children to participate in this nationally-recognized program through HSSAP by providing supplemental funding to existing Head Start programs to extend the length of day or program year. More than 5,700 children were being served in the program as of January 2009.
T.E.A.C.H. Scholarships – T.E.A.C.H. (Teacher Education and Compensation Helps) works with child care and Head Start programs, colleges and early childhood staff to offer scholarship programs and supports that improve the education and compensation of early childhood staff. In 2007-2008, 2,547 individuals received T.E.A.C.H. scholarships to 44 colleges and universities in PA. About 33 percent more scholarships were awarded from the previous year.
Child Care Works – Child Care Works makes it possible for low-income families to find reliable child care and provides financial assistance to help them afford it. Working parents are eligible for assistance for child-care expenses if they meet incomes guidelines (less than $40,000 for a family of four). The waiting list currently stands at 16,000 children but is poised to climb if funding needs this year are not met. There are more than 54,000 children receiving a child care subsidy.
Nurse-Family Partnership – The Nurse-Family Partnership Program helps children and families reach their promise by giving first-time mothers supports through home visits by visiting nurses. Services are provided until age 2. The program currently is implemented in 40 counties. In 2007-2008, 4,194 families were served.
Early Intervention – The Early Intervention Program serves children from birth to age five with disabilities/ developmental delays and their families. Early Intervention builds upon the natural learning occurring in a child's early years and promotes collaboration among parents, service providers, early childhood educators and others involved in the child's life. Approximately 32,700 infants and toddlers and 45,000 preschoolers will receive Early Intervention Services in 2008-2009.
