Kucinich Introduces Bill To Provide Universal Prekindergarten
The following is a press release from September 4, 2003, by Kucinich's office in Congress
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Kucinich Introduces Bill To Provide Universal Prekindergarten
Bill will provide universal access to full day, full year early education programs
With school kids from across the country returning to school this week, Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH), today, introduced a bill to expand prekindergarten programs to ensure all children ages 3-5 years old have access to a high quality, full-day, full calendar year prekindergarten education.
The bill, The Universal Prekindergarten Act of 2003, would provide grants to states in order to establish and implement statewide universal prekindergarten programs.
"By providing students with early educational opportunities we can help lay the foundation for future academic success," stated Kucinich, a member of the House Education and the Workforce Committee. "Our country has great wealth. Yet, we are constantly selling the youth of our nation short. We must make the education of our youth a top priority. This bill is large first step in that direction."
The bill, funded by both state and federal money, will be free and voluntary for children and their parents. The bill will supplement existing federal and state prekindergarten programs and will also provide for professional development of early childhood educators.
The bill, introduced today, has 31 Congressional Co-Sponsors and has been endorsed by the Children's Defense Fund and the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
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