success in school and in life; and
WHEREAS, Talking, reading and playing with children from
birth builds the language, mathematics and social skills they
need to be ready for kindergarten; and
WHEREAS, Forty years of research has shown that children
receiving high-quality early education are more likely to be
prepared for and do better in school, graduate from high school,
attend college and participate in job training; and
WHEREAS, Children attending high-quality early learning
programs are better prepared for the competitive work force,
including opportunities in law enforcement and the military; and
WHEREAS, High-quality early learning is especially beneficial
to children whose educational opportunities are hindered by
poverty or other circumstances; and
WHEREAS, Parents and guardians are able to be productive,
engaged and focused employees when their children are afforded a
stable and high-quality early learning environment at a
reasonable cost; and
WHEREAS, Research demonstrates high-quality early learning
saves taxpayer dollars by reducing the need for special
education and remedial instruction and decreases drop-out rates,
crime and incarceration; and
WHEREAS, High-quality early learning programs in this
Commonwealth such as Pre-K Counts, Head Start Supplemental
Assistance Program, Keystone STARS, Early Intervention and
evidence-based home visiting are sound investments that are
preparing our youngest children for success in school and in
life; and
WHEREAS, Supporting and retaining a well-trained, early
learning staff is critical since a highly qualified staff is an
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