Pennsylvania stands to reap significant benefits in the form of reduced costs to taxpayers and the state budget as a result of expanded access to pre-kindergarten programs for the commonwealth’s 3- and 4-year-olds. That’s according to new research released by Pre-K for PA and conducted by The Economy League of Greater Philadelphia.

The report outlines how investment in high-quality pre-k benefits K-12 school systems by reducing the need for special education programs and grade repetition, and producing fewer behavioral problems in school. Pennsylvania schools currently spend a significant amount of time and money helping children catch up who arrive for kindergarten unprepared – both academically and socially.

“As this report indicates, Pennsylvania currently spends billions of dollars a year on special education services – a cost we know can be significantly reduced by expanding access to publically-funded, high-quality pre-k programs,” said Steve Wray, Executive Director of the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia – a Pre-K for PA coalition member. “Pre-k works. And, it’s time to make it a top priority for Pennsylvania – particularly given the state’s current challenges in ensuring adequate and equitable funding for public education.”

For the full report, visit www.prekforpa.org/strongerschools.

Pre-K for PA is an issue campaign supported by thousands of individuals and organizations across Pennsylvania who believe that investing in our children is the right choice and an urgent necessity. Our vision is that every 3- and 4-year-old in Pennsylvania will have access to high-quality pre-k. While the campaign neither endorses nor opposes candidates, it advocates on behalf of this vision for Pennsylvania’s children, schools and communities. Pre-K for PA’s statewide leadership includes United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, The Economy League of Greater Philadelphia, Public Citizens for Children and Youth, Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children, Delaware Valley Association for the Education of Young Children, Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children, Pennsylvania Head Start Association, Mission: Readiness and Fight Crime: Invest in Kids.

PR Newswire – October 20, 2014 – Read article online