Jennifer Garner promotes early childhood education

[November 14, 2013]  WASHINGTON (AP) --  Actress Jennifer Garner says education is "without a doubt the ticket out of poverty."

The mother of three spoke Wednesday on Capitol Hill in support of legislation that aims to expand and improve early education programs.

Garner, who starred in the ABC series "Alias," said she supports early education to help level the playing field for all children.

"My kids have everything they need," Garner said, "so what I give my heart to -- besides parenting my own kids -- is early childhood education for kids all across America, especially for those growing up with less."

The Strong Start for America's Children Act is similar to what President Barack Obama has proposed, with the goal of expanding and improving early education programs for kids up to age 5. It seeks to accelerate the growth of state-funded prekindergarten programs and improve the quality of infant- and toddler-care programs.

Garner's advocacy isn't limited to education.

She was among the celebrities who testified this year before California lawmakers in support of legislation that they said would help them better protect their children from the paparazzi that follow them daily.

Garner also is an artist ambassador for Save the Children, an organization that provides aid to youth around the world.

[Associated Press; By STACY A. ANDERSON]

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