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Stop Proposed Cuts to Early Education
In a dramatic step away from the Mayor’s commitment to provide voluntary, quality early education for all children, the FY 2008 budget proposes deep cuts to existing programs. These reductions will effectively deny 1,800 children from enrolling in early education in the District. Pre-K for All DC is calling on the DC Council to restore these cuts.
Act now to demand that the Council restore full funding to all early care and education programs.
| Sample Letter for Campaign |
Subject: Restore Early Education Budget Cuts
Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,
The proposed FY 2008 budget results in a net loss of $8.3 million in early care
and education funding.
The cuts will have the following impact:
- 1,600 children will be cut from the Child Care Subsidy Program serving working parents across the city.
- 200 three and four year olds will loose access to quality pre-k and be forced to go on waiting lists as a result of a $2.1 million reduction in the Council-mandated DCPS Pre-K Incentive Program.
- 300 teachers will be denied the opportunity to participate in DC's early care and education workforce development.
- 80% of existing programs will be deprived of funding for technical assistance needed to meet national standards of quality (accreditation).
Decades of research indicates that two years of quality pre-kindergarten gives children a good, successful start that results in academic and social success in later years. By denying children an early education, the FY 2008 budget undermines the District's efforts to improve student achievement.
Currently, thousands of children do not have an opportunity to attend a quality pre-k program. Instead of cutting what programs do exist, the District of Columbia should be working to ensure all children have the pre-k opportunity.
I ask that you restore these cuts.
Sincerely,
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