When it comes to offering high-quality pre-k, Pennsylvania still isn’t making progress, according to a new report out today from the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER).

NIEER’s latest State of Preschool report finds that, among states offering publicly funded pre-k programs:

• Pennsylvania has dropped to 15th in the nation (down from 14th last year) in pre-k access for 3-year olds. Five years ago, we ranked 11th nationally.
• Pennsylvania remains stuck at 30th in the nation in pre-k access for 4-year olds – the same ranking we held last year. Five years ago we ranked 24th nationally.

The good news is that we know how to turn this around – and you can help.

The governor has proposed increasing state funding for high-quality pre-k by $120 million in the coming fiscal year so that about 14,000 more Pennsylvania 3- and 4-year olds can benefit from this once-in-a-lifetime learning opportunity. This investment would increase access to publicly funded, high-quality pre-k from about 1 in 6 of our 3- and 4-year olds to about 1 in 4. It’s a big step in a much longer journey to make high-quality pre-k available to every family that wants it for their child.

Here’s how you can help: Tuesday, May 12 is Early Childhood Action Day at the state Capitol. Join us in Harrisburg to let state lawmakers know we need to invest more in high-quality pre-k. Can’t make it? You can still lend your voice by taking part in Virtual Action Day tomorrow.

You can also join the Pre-K for PA campaign’s Capitol Caravan and make a trip to the Capitol at your convenience to talk to your lawmakers.

With your help, more Pennsylvania children can benefit from high-quality pre-k and the lifelong advantages it offers.