The state can do more to increase access to publicly funded preschool. The governor's proposed budget cuts funding for Pre-K Counts and Head Start by roughly $1 million, which would give fewer children access to these critical early-education programs.

Faced with an unprecedented shortfall, the Republican-led House has proposed a budget that would cut back on early education and could signal a philosophical shift about funding for these programs. McDonnell is supportive of the preschool program, said Taylor Thornley, the governor's spokeswoman.

While other Southern states are slicing pre-school funding to cover budget deficits, Louisiana's Cecil J. Picard LA-4 Early Childhood Program is safe — for now ... Gov. Bobby Jindal's proposed 2010-11 spending plan retains the $75.9 million that's currently in this year's budget.

[In the state of the state speech], Gov. Charlie Crist made no comment on the state of early childhood education ... "My concern is that young children are falling by the wayside," said Chris Duggan, CEO of Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend.

A story-reading session today at the State Capitol celebrates the late author's birthday while highlighting the more serious need to continue funding early childhood programs ... Governor Jodi Rell's mitigation budget includes almost $20 million in cuts to such programs.

Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts, established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, is in its second year of bringing full-day pre-kindergarten to three- and four-year -olds in Warren at no cost to qualified families.

Child advocates and local businesses are teaming up for a new approach to investing in the future by bridging the gap between early childhood education and the workforce ... [They said] early education programs are key factors in determining which communities attract and retain a workforce that supports a vibrant economic environment.

Teachers, child-advocacy groups and other supporters of Virginia's preschool program for low-income pupils are urging legislators not to cut funding for what they consider a crucial investment in children’s educational and economic future.

To the editors of Scientific American: Your Perspectives column in the March 2010 issue should be required reading for superintendents, school board members, principals and teachers in all grades and preschool settings.

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