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Vote Yes For Early Learning Challenge Fund
Your U.S. Representative will vote this week on H.R. 3221, which would create the Early Learning Challenge Fund. The Fund would provide $8 Billion over 8 years through competitive grants among states like Washington to improve quality and access to early learning programs. Kids who have high-quality early learning and early care experiences do better in school, are more likely to go to college, and more likely to stay out of trouble. This bill, if passed, will make kids' lives better in our state. Join the %adv-participants-yes_for_challenge_fund% people who have already taken action! Ask your Representative to vote yes on H.R. 3221.
Dear [ Decision Maker ] , Please vote YES on H.R. 3221 and the Early Learning Challenge Fund included in the bill. This bill will allow states like Washington to leverage public and private resources to increase access to high quality early learning programs for our most vulnerable families. Quality pre-school and early learning programs are crucial--- children grow and learn more in their first five years than any other time in their lives. Please vote YES on H.R. 3221 when it comes up for a vote on the House floor.
Sincerely, |
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Ask your U.S. Representative to vote YES for the Early Learning Challenge Fund.| Background Information |
Ages birth to five are the critical years of a child’s development. Quality care and education at the earliest ages is the first, best and most cost-effective way to ensure that vulnerable children thrive and grow into productive adults.
Parents, teachers, economists, and scientists agree that quality early childhood services are among the smartest public investments.
Kids who participate in high quality early learning programs are:
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29% more likely to graduate from high school
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50% less likely to reuqire special education or be held back in school
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Significantly likely to earn more as adult
High quality early childhood education for disadvantaged children has proven to decrease the need for expensive special education programs, reduce high school drop-outs, lower the number of incarcerations and prevent dependency on social services.
Waiting lists for the state's Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program have soared in recent months.
More Information
Read the National Women's Law Center great summary of the Early Learning Challenge Fund legislation in H.R. 3221.
Read a Children's Alliance blog post about Governor Gregoire's plans to create a comprehensive early learning program in Washington State. Federal support will be a critical component to the success of any state plan.
You can learn more about opportunities to expand federal support for early learning opportunities at the First Five Years Fund.
