Holly Barnes Higgins
Office 202.862.9863
Mobile 202.834.6846
hhiggins@preknow.org

(Washington, DC) – Executive Director of Pre-K Now, Libby Doggett issued the following statement today in response to the National Summit on America's Children, held May 22nd on Capitol Hill.

"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.

"We need more national dialogue on solutions proven to prepare children for success in school and in life. This year 29 governors proposed increased investments in pre-kindergarten programs. In the last two years alone, states have increased pre-k funding by more than $1 billion. Still, less than half our nation's children have access to publicly funded pre-k. State leaders and child advocates cannot do this alone; this must be a priority at the national level.

"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.

"We hope Congress acts on what they learn and makes early education a top federal priority given its vital role in all children's development and ultimately, in our collective prosperity."

Pre-K Now collaborates with state advocates and policymakers to lead a movement for high-quality pre-kindergarten for all three and four year olds. The following funders contribute to making this important work possible: The Pew Charitable Trusts, the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, RGK Foundation, the Foundation for Child Development, CityBridge Foundation, PNC Financial Services Group, and the Schumann Fund for New Jersey.

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