Dear Supporter,
Early learning was front and center at Monday’s Senate Education Committee hearing, chaired by Senator Teresa Ruiz. Thanks to Senator Ruiz’s leadership, the committee heard from more than 20 people who testified about the critical importance of early learning from birth through kindergarten.
Read ACNJ’s testimony.
While early education has received attention before, this time was a little different. A broad range of people came out to show support for increased investment in children’s early years, especially preschool expansion. The committee heard from all of New Jersey’s major education groups – superintendents, principals, teachers, as well as law enforcement, business leaders and others who all recognize that a child’s first years lay the foundation for future success.
So let’s take a minute to thank Senator Ruiz for her commitment to providing children with this all-important foundation.
What’s next?
It is time to make preschool New Jersey’s top priority and take the first step toward expanding it to more children. For years, we have held out the promise of preschool to tens of thousands of children who currently lack access. Each year, without this critical early learning, these children are missing out on an opportunity to have a solid start at school.
ACNJ and its partners at Pre-K Our Way will continue working to build the political will to jumpstart preschool expansion. We hope you will join us in speaking up about preschool so our elected officials know that this is a top priority for New Jersey residents.
Join us at prekourway.org.
Sincerely,
Cecilia Zalkind
Executive Director
