Pre-K Now | Leader Lessons

Leader Lessons

As the ranks of pre-k supporters grow across the country, we think it is important to spotlight powerful lessons from leaders in the pre-k movement. Whether from elected officials, researchers, educators, or others, we believe these lessons can inspire not just great pre-k policy but exceptional new leadership as well.

Our Most Recent Lesson

Why "Kids-First" Politics is a Winning Strategy
by David L. Kirp

Aside from baby-kissing photo ops, candidates typically ignore children's needs, and that's been true in the 2008 presidential race. The only Republican candidate with a track record to speak of is Mitt Romney, and it's not an encouraging one – as Massachusetts governor, he vetoed preschool legislation. The Democrats don't look much better. Although Bill Richardson and John Edwards backed preschool initiatives in the past, only Hillary Clinton has promoted early education as a federal priority. Otherwise the silence has been deafening.

That's misguided policy thinking and bad politics as well.