Committee on Education and Labor : U.S. House of Representatives

Press Releases

Congresswoman Hirono Introduces Legislation to Improve Early Childhood Education
Providing Resources Early for Kids (PRE-K) Act Will Prepare Children for Success 

Thursday, August 2, 2007

 

WASHINGTON, DC -- Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) today introduced the Providing Resources Early for Kids (PRE-K) Act of 2007, legislation that will improve the quality of early childhood education throughout the United States.

“I am introducing the PRE-K Act because high quality early childhood education establishes a foundation for learning and achievement.  Research shows that children who participate in quality pre-kindergarten and other early education programs are much more likely to succeed in school and in life,” said Congresswoman Hirono.

The PRE-K Act establishes a partnership between the federal government and the states to improve state-funded preschool programs serving children from birth to age five.  The bill would provide $1 billion per year for five years to help states strengthen their pre-k programs, allowing states options to choose from based on their particular needs.  This will give states additional resources and is intended to supplement vital services provided by other federal programs like Head Start.  The bill is not a federal mandate.

The federal grant money can be used to increase the number of qualified early educators, improve the student-teacher ratio in preschools, or to increase the hours per day and weeks per year that families have access to early education.  Additionally, grants could be spent on vital comprehensive services such as health screenings and nutritional assistance to preschool students.

Congresswoman Hirono said, “The PRE-K Act is one of the best investments we can make in our children, our families and our nation.  This is cost-effective legislation because those who receive quality early childhood education are more likely to grow up and contribute to our society and economy, and we save money as fewer students need to repeat a grade or require special education.  Moreover putting children on the path to success and helping them achieve their full potential is priceless.”

Education and Labor Committee Chairman George Miller (D-California), an original cosponsor of the PRE-K Act, said, "Compelling new scientific research on early childhood and brain development shows that the first years of life have a profound and lasting impact on children’s future growth. In fact, the academic achievement gap among students in the nation’s elementary, middle, and high schools actually begins before children enter kindergarten. That’s why, as we seek to improve educational opportunities for all Americans, we must remember the importance of helping all children reach kindergarten ready to succeed. I thank Congresswoman Hirono for introducing this legislation and for her leadership on behalf of America’s young children.”

Other original cosponsors are Representatives Rob Andrews (D-New Jersey), Susan Davis (D-California) and John Tierney (D-Massachusetts).

Congresswoman Hirono is a member of the House Education and Labor Committee, an assignment she sought upon entering Congress this year.  She served as Lieutenant Governor of Hawai‘i from 1994 to 2002, during which time she established Pre-Plus, an innovative public-private partnership to expand and improve early childhood education.  Pre-Plus has resulted in the construction of preschool classrooms at elementary schools at sites throughout Hawai‘i.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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