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"Nothing is more important to
parents than their children, and nothing is more important to a
child's future than getting a good education," Blagojevich said.
"And that's where preschool comes in. We now provide preschool to
almost all at-risk 4-year-olds in the state. But preschool makes a
big difference for middle-class families as well -- families who
work hard, pay their taxes and play by the rules. These are the same
families whose children don't have health care, because they fall
through the cracks. They make too much money to qualify for help
from the state and not enough to afford health care or preschool for
their children. They deserve our help." Preschool for All would
allow every community to offer high-quality preschool in a variety
of settings, including public and private schools, child care
centers and licensed family child care homes, private preschools,
park districts, faith-based organizations, and other community-based
agencies. The program requires that preschools be staffed by
experienced teachers who hold bachelor's degrees and specialized
training in early education and that the preschools provide at least
2 1/2 hours per day of high-quality programming designed to foster
all of the skills -- social, emotional, physical and cognitive --
that all young children need to achieve success in school and later
in life.
In the spring of 2003, Blagojevich and members of the General
Assembly created the Illinois Early Learning Council to find a way
to meet the early learning needs of all children.
Preschool for All, which would guarantee that all Illinois
children have the chance to attend preschool, would reach those
children whose families have the hardest time paying for quality
pre-kindergarten services. In Illinois, the average annual cost of
private early learning programs for 3- and 4-year-olds is $5,200,
and the cost for two children can exceed $10,400 annually -- the
salary of a minimum-wage earner.
By providing increases of $45 million in each of the next three
years, Illinois will give a total of 32,000 more kids the
opportunity to attend preschool. After three years, every 4-year-old
will be covered, plus more than 55,000 3-year-olds. In years four
and five of the rollout, service will be extended to all remaining
interested 3-year-olds.
"Nearly 20 percent of the proposed funding is devoted to quality
enhancements," said Harriet Meyer, Early Learning Council co-chair
and Ounce of Prevention Fund president. "The governor listened to
the council's sound recommendations and continues to demonstrate
visionary leadership. As a result, our youngest children win."
"Thousands of children across Illinois now have a chance that
will make a difference for a lifetime," said Maria Whelan, president
and chief executive officer of Action for Children. "Access to
preschool makes a difference. The governor has been a strong
supporter of children, and this important step is further evidence
of that. We appreciate his vision, his commitment, his willingness
to continue to make children and their future a priority."
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 "The Illinois State Board of Education is grateful that Governor
Blagojevich has not only accepted our preschool education funding
proposal, but in fact has actually exceeded the funding level we
recommended, in his own proposed budget," said Illinois State Board
of Education Chairman Jesse Ruiz. "We appreciate Governor
Blagojevich continuing to work with the State Board of Education to
make Illinois a nationally recognized leader in early childhood
education and for providing early learning opportunities for a
greater number of Illinois kids."
"Preschool for All is exactly what parents all over Illinois have
been wanting for some time," said Jerome Stermer, president of
Voices for Illinois Children. "Parents want the option of enrolling
their children in high-quality programs that help children with
social and emotional development within a rich environment of
cognitive skill building. Wisely, the governor's plan builds on our
existing successes in Illinois, offering options for preschool in
schools and child care programs alike."
Countless studies demonstrate the benefits of early learning in
preschool. Children who begin reading at age 3 or 4 do better
throughout their academic careers. Children who received
high-quality early education are 20 percent more likely to complete
high school and 41 percent less likely to be placed in special
education. In addition, children who received high-quality early
education are 42 percent less likely to be arrested as a juvenile
for a violent offense, will have half as many criminal arrests, and
have higher earnings and property wealth as an adult.
Investments in early childhood education also pay enormous
economic dividends in the long term. Based on certain economic
returns like increased earning potential, decreased dependency on
social services and on the justice system, it is estimated that
society receives $7.14 for every $1 spent on early child care
programs. That means the $90 million Blagojevich has invested over
the last two years would yield at least $643 million in savings over
the lifetime of those children. A newer study released in November
2004 found an even higher rate of return -- showing a savings of
more than $17 for every $1 invested.
Despite unprecedented budget deficits, Blagojevich has made early
childhood education a top priority, fulfilling his promise to
increase investments in the Early Childhood Block Grant by $90
million over three years. His commitment to expanding early
childhood education continues to gain national attention. In the
spring of 2005, a report released by Pre-K Now called Blagojevich a
"Pre-K budget hero" for continuing his push for preschool expansion
despite difficult financial conditions. And in November 2004, the
National Institute for Early Education Research released its 2004
State Pre-School Yearbook, which ranked Illinois as one of the top
three states for program quality. Illinois received praise for its
teacher training as one of only 13 states to require certification
for its early childhood teachers.
In addition to his efforts in expanding access to early childhood
education, Blagojevich has also been committed to expanding access
to health care for children in Illinois. In November, he signed a
new law creating the All Kids program, which provides all Illinois
children with access to affordable, comprehensive health insurance.
[News release from the governor's
office] |
