Hanna Pushes Pre-K Bill, Says ‘Preschool is the New Kindergarten’

ROME, N.Y. – U.S. Representative Richard Hanna today visited a universal Pre-K classroom at Little Learners on Campus in Rome to discuss the importance of early childhood education and how Congress can act to educate more students before they reach kindergarten. 

“Preschool is the new kindergarten and more families are enrolling their children in high-quality programs prior to beginning school at age 5,” Rep. Hanna said. “We must expand this to ensure that children from both high- and low-income families have the same access to early learning.”

Andrea Panara, Executive Director of Little Learners on Campus gave Rep. Hanna a tour of the facility before he visited with a group of Pre-K students who shared some of what they’re learning. Little Learners on Campus has more than 30 students enrolled at its center. 

"As a Child Care service provider for over 9 years, we diligently strive to bring this vitally needed service to the Greater Rome Community,” Executive Director Panara said. “Everyone associated with Little Learners on Campus Child Care Center is extremely grateful for the strong support the Congressman has given Preschool education as well as the cooperation we have received by local educators and our elected officials. Needless to say, it is extremely satisfying to know that early childhood education is a top priority in our area."

Rep. Hanna is a firm believer in early childhood education and the impact it has on a child’s life as well as our society as a whole. He is the author of the Strong Start for America’s Children Act, which is an innovative 10-year federal-state partnership to expand and improve early learning opportunities for children across the birth-to-age-five continuum. The bill would fund preschool for four-year old children from families earning below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level, and encourage states to spend their own funds to support preschool for young children with family incomes above that income level. 

“Since 2007, Little Learners on Campus has been committed to improving the health, academic readiness and quality of life of our youngest residents in the Rome area,” Rep. Hanna said. “Early education helps make our nation more competitive and ensures each child has the opportunity to reach his or her full potential. One in four children starts their life in poverty. Through education, we can ensure their lives do not end in poverty.”

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