Sample Letter to the Editor
I encourage our leaders and community to support the expansion of voluntary pre-k to all 4 year olds in Louisiana. Investing in our children’s early education is one of the most important investments we can make. A child’s most significant brain development occurs before age of 5, and studies have shown that high quality pre-k improves the chances for a child to succeed in school and in life.
Pre-k for 4-year-olds is well worth the investment of taxpayer dollars. National research studies have concluded that every $1 invested in high quality pre-k saves taxpayers up to $17. Children who have attended high quality pre-k have greater academic success, experience fewer grade retentions, need less special education, are more likely to graduate from high school, and are less likely to become dependent on welfare or involved in juvenile delinquency or crime.
Furthermore, pre-k should be expanded by moving to a diverse delivery system, where publicly funded pre-k is offered in child care and Head Start settings, as well as in schools. With diverse delivery, parents will be given greater choices for the best environment for their children, and quality and accountability can be promoted in every setting.
To succeed, children must enter school ready to learn. Voluntary, high quality pre-k for all 4 year olds offered in diverse settings is crucial to our children’s success.