We should first consider how other states are improving early learning and preventing the need for mass retention ... While the economy may prohibit preschool and kindergarten improvements at this time, Indiana needs to take positive steps to address learning deficits during the early childhood years.

A 12-year-old state program to help children in low-income families get off to a healthy start and get ready for school has such scattered oversight that it could be prone to fraud, according to the state budget director.

Studies have found that children in kindergarten are already forming negative views about science that could cast a shadow across their entire educational careers.

But the extra instruction and extra time to develop in a pre-k program is in jeopardy for roughly 90,000 children across the state of Illinois, many with special education needs. With a budget deficit in the billions, the state is squeezing education dollars.

Governor Charlie Crist today, as part of his continued focus on strengthening Florida’s economy, promoted increased funding for early learning and state university system programs to help develop a world-class workforce in Florida.

Gov. Ed Rendell has made education funding, in particular pre-k, a priority for his administration ... But given the economy, there is no way the state can continue to increase funding for education without cutting funds somewhere else or developing ways to generate new revenue.

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette and the Cecil J. Picard Center for Child Development and Lifelong Learning will hold its state summit on early childhood education April 15-16 at the Cajundome Convention Center in Lafayette.

The Harlem School District will cut about 120 jobs as part of an attempt to control spending and overhaul special education programs ... Board members decided that the pre-kindergarten program for at-risk students could not be afforded without state grant dollars. It will be eliminated as part of reductions.

Illinois' public pre-k program -- Preschool for All -- has been considered a national model for several reasons, not the least because it uses community-based providers (like non-profit preschools and child care centers) and is considered to be of high quality. But how is it faring in a recession?

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Quote of the Day

"Indiana needs to take positive steps to address learning deficits during the early childhood years."

John Ellis, executive director of the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents

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