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June 15, 2008

Business support for universal pre-K sought

By STEPHEN BARTLETT

PLATTSBURGH -- Preschool presents an immediate opportunity to make a difference today, says Mary Shaheen.

And investing in early-childhood education offers the best rate of economic return.

"The older the individual at the time of investment, the lower the rate of return," said Shaheen, vice president of United Way of New York State.

Yet many schools aren't utilizing money from the state to institute universal pre-K, and the ones that do are finding funding is inadequate to fully finance the state's initiative.

So Shaheen is traveling the state asking business leaders to throw their support behind universal pre-K and use their clout to apply pressure on lawmakers to step up funding.

BOOSTS ECONOMY

"Early-childhood-development programs are economic-development initiatives," she told the Plattsburgh Noon Rotary recently.

Children are born learning, Shaheen pointed out, and numerous studies indicate that kids who come to school with social skills are more successful. Much of what 4-year-olds gain in preschool are social skills.

On the flip side, long-term studies have shown that many children start school without basic skills needed for future success and end up in lower-paying jobs.

"We are losing that battle before our children set foot in the classroom," Shaheen said. "The older the individual at the time of investment, the lower the rate of return."

KEY TO SUCCESS

Early experiences lay foundations for future success, and children who benefit from it are more likely to end up married, in higher-paying jobs, owning homes, having savings accounts and being more active in their communities, studies show.

Indeed, the Perry Study followed 123 children from low-income Michigan families through the age of 40. Participants were provided a high-quality program with well-trained teachers, daily classroom sessions and weekly home visits.

The study reported that the benefit-cost ratio was $17 to $1.

"We need to make sure they are excited about learning and connected to the school," Shaheen said. "Testing children is not the answer."

FUNDS SHUNNED

She applauded New York state's significant commitment to universal pre-K, which provides access to all children, but said too much money goes unclaimed.

"Spending is 80 percent of the allocation. So there is more than $100 million out on the table."

That is partly due to many school districts not taking advantage of the funds provided strictly to start universal pre-K programs.

"But the funding available only covers a half day, while most parents work eight hours, so two and a half hours of something does not do," Shaheen said. "Full-day services are essential for working parents."

Besides inadequate hours, many children can't get to the programs, yet the money allocated for universal pre-K can't be used for transportation.

"The funding doesn't allow flexibility to get over the barriers," Shaheen said.

That must change, she stressed, because every 4-year-old who wants a slot should have one.

"We have to generate the political will to get this done."

She called on local business leaders to be visible and become business champions for pre-K and use their positions to advocate for change right here and right now.

"More and more business leaders are responding to the challenge to boost school readiness. Actively advocate for a statewide pre-K system that works, with stable funding and a full-day program."

sbartlett@pressrepublican.com

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