Despite GOP’s objections, preschool funding needed in America

The enthusiasm for universal pre-kindergarten was exceptionally high during Education Secretary Arne Duncan’s visit to Woodland Early Learning Center in Kansas City.

But Duncan, on the first stop Monday of a seven-state bus tour, explained that the millions of dollars the Obama administration wants for early childhood education is on the Republican chopping block in Congress.

That would take the country and President Barack Obama’s push for universal pre-kindergarten in the wrong direction. More funding, not less, is needed to make high quality preschool available for all 3- and 4-year-olds.

Duncan argues that early education programs lead to lower dropout rates, teen pregnancy and incarceration. They make children ready to enter kindergarten and give them a better chance at succeeding throughout school and becoming ready for college and careers.

Duncan found a lot of committed people here. The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce last year added early childhood education to its “Big 5” goals, which chamber president Jim Heeter emphasized to Duncan in a news conference at Woodland.

In addition, a plan is developing to ask some Kansas City voters for a tax increase to fund pre-kindergarten for multiple school districts. Civic leaders should be sharpening their best possible case that it will be the right move.

Mayor Sly James reiterated Duncan’s message that preschool funding is a good investment. “We’re committed to solving this early childhood education issue together,” James said.

At stake is the possibility of ending cycles of poverty for many families who can’t afford high quality pre-kindergarten programs. Early education is the best investment for the future that this city and nation could make.

This story was originally published September 14, 2015 at 10:00 AM with the headline "Despite GOP’s objections, preschool funding needed in America."