A new bill signed by Gov. Deval Patrick on July 31 will help move Massachusetts toward establishing a universally accessible pre-kindergarten program. An Act Relative to Early Education and Care, passed unanimously in the House and Senate, will help shape the future for pre-kindergarten programming, which local childcare experts have been working to improve for the last few years. The state-level changes mirror similar activity in Salem, where early education is a growing focus. The importance of a strong early childhood education has been emphasized by researchers and psychologists for years. Research shows that children who receive a high-quality education early on are 30 percent more likely to graduate high school and more than twice as likely to go to college. Low-income children who receive two years of quality education are 40 percent less likely to need special education or be held back a grade. Salem City Councilor Matt Veno, communications director for the state Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), said the new bill marks a major milestone for pre-K programming in Massachusetts. “It really strengthens the existing program,” he said. “It gives us some level of confidence that our strategies will have some longevity. That they’ll have the support of the Legislature and governor for the long haul.” Universal pre-kindergarten programming — accessible free education for children age 2 years, 9 months through 4 years — is ...
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A new bill signed by Gov. Deval Patrick on July 31 will help move Massachusetts toward establishing a universally accessible pre-kindergarten program. An Act Relative to Early Education and Care, passed unanimously in the House and Senate, will help shape the future for pre-kindergarten programming, which local childcare experts have been working to improve for the last few years. The state-level changes mirror similar activity in Salem, where early education is a growing focus. The importance of a strong early childhood education has been emphasized by researchers and psychologists for years. Research shows that children who receive a high-quality education early on are 30 percent more likely to graduate high school and more than twice as likely to go to college. Low-income children who receive two years of quality education are 40 percent less likely to need special education or be held back a grade. Salem City Councilor Matt Veno, communications director for the state Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), said the new bill marks a major milestone for pre-K programming in Massachusetts. “It really strengthens the existing program,” he said. “It gives us some level of confidence that our strategies will have some longevity. That they’ll have the support of the Legislature and governor for the long haul.” Universal pre-kindergarten programming — accessible free education for children age 2 years, 9 months through 4 years — is ...