NoSchoolForSam

We need your help! Congress is dragging its feet on the PRE-K Act, an historic piece of legislation that would help states expand access to pre-k programs to more children.

Your voice can motivate Congress to move quickly on the PRE-K Act! This legislation can make a world of difference to Sam and the millions of children without access to quality pre-k. Please send this note asking the leaders of the House Education Committee to take up the PRE-K Act TODAY!

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I am writing to express my strong support for the PRE-K Act, introduced by Rep. Mazie Hirono, which would expand access to pre-k programs for our nation's four year olds. I urge you to move this bill to the top of your committee's agenda.

We have a narrow window of opportunity in each child's life when early education can set him or her on a trajectory for success. Delaying this legislation is denying millions of American children the chance to enter school ready and confident. Ask any Kindergarten teacher: too many of today's five year olds are starting school without the social, emotional, and academic foundations they need to thrive. At just the moment when their capacity for learning is greatest, most of them don't have access to quality pre-k programs.

The PRE-K Act specifically addresses this critical gap in the nation's education system. The bill would award grants, on a competitive basis, to states so that they can raise the quality of their pre-k programs using the best, research-based standards. After high quality standards are in place, states would be able to use the funds to increase the availability of pre-k across a variety of settings, including schools, Head Start providers, and community-based settings such as child care centers.

Pre-k education must be available to all children, not just the most disadvantaged or the most wealthy. I hope you will give this legislation immediate and serious consideration.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
May 05, 2008