Parents who send their kids to preschool understand its benefits. But what about lower income parents who cannot afford it? Too many of their children begin their education a year or two behind their better off counterparts. The Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program currently sends 13,000 low income children to preschool, but many still cannot afford to attend. Public money spent on these children pays off for society in the long run by producing better educated children and adults. Let your legislators know that you value education and support spending on preschool education for all.

Key Takeaways:

• The Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program provides financial assistance to help thousands of low-income children attend preschool.
• Only about one percent of the education budget goes to early childhood education, and so many families still cannot afford the total cost of preschool for their children
• Preschool can cost thousands of dollars per student, but this is a worthwhile investment for the state, and often saves money in K-12.

"There are numerous studies showing that low-income children who begin kindergarten at the same academic level as children from wealthier families are more likely to graduate on time, go to college and start a career."

Read more: http://www.sequimgazette.com/life/parenting-matters-investing-in-our-young-children/

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