[NOV. 28, 2005]
SPRINGFIELD -- A report released recently by Pre-K
Now, a national early childhood education policy organization,
praises Illinois for its continued achievements in the area of early
childhood education. According to the Pre-K Now report, Illinois'
$30 million increase for early childhood programs in fiscal 2006 is
the largest in the Midwest and fourth-largest in the nation.
Since coming into office three years ago, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich
has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the expansion of early
childhood education. The governor's three-year, $90 million plan to
increase access to state-funded preschool in Illinois will allow
25,000 more children to have access to preschool.
"Nothing is more
important to us as parents or as leaders than our children,"
Blagojevich said. "Even during these difficult budget times, we've
provided more funding for early childhood education because we know
that access to a quality preschool program can directly improve a
child's chances at long-term success."
Despite unprecedented budget deficits, Blagojevich has made early
childhood education a top priority, fulfilling his promise to
increase investment in the Early Childhood Block Grant by $90
million over three years. According to the report "Votes Count:
Legislative Action on Pre-K Fiscal Year 2006" by Pre-K Now,
these increases have totaled up to $180 million in new money over
fiscal 2004, 2005 and 2006. The report also found that the money
allocated for the pre-K portion of the Early Childhood Block Grant
increased from $216.5 million in fiscal 2005 to $243.2 million in
fiscal 2006, an increase of 12.33 percent. Illinois' fiscal 2006
investment in early childhood learning programs is the largest in
the Midwest and fourth-largest in the nation. Only Florida, Georgia
and Texas are increasing spending by a larger amount.
The Pre-K Now report also recognized Illinois as one of three
states that have shown a "spirit of cooperation" in which the
governor and the legislature worked together to support early
education.
"Illinois' continued commitment to its youngest learners sends a
message that offering quality pre-kindergarten is not a Democratic
or Republican issue, it's a children's issue," said Libby Doggett,
executive director of Pre-K Now. "Governor Blagojevich and the
legislature have sent a strong message that when we invest in human
capital we improve a state's future."
State School Superintendent Randy Dunn emphasized that early
childhood education is crucial to the success of the state's
education goals. "We know that learning starts early, and we are
committed to making the most of those early opportunities," he said.
Research shows that the sooner children have access
to a quality educational environment, the better their long-term
learning achievements will be. At-risk 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, at-risk 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 will have higher earnings and property wealth as an
adult.
"Early childhood education is one of the most
important investments that we can make in our state," said State
Board of Education Chairman Jesse Ruiz. "Governor Blagojevich
continues to demonstrate his commitment to providing quality
preschool education to every child in Illinois to give them the best
possible chance at a successful future."
Investments in early childhood education pay
enormous 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 will yield $643 million in savings over the
lifetime of those children.
Blagojevich's 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 Illinoisans' access to health care. On Nov. 15, he signed
a new law that will provide more children with access to affordable
health insurance. [See
article.] Evidence shows that in addition to lacking adequate
medical care, children without health insurance are more likely to
miss school and see a decrease in performance.
