Ed Labor Hearing on Early Education

The Education and Labor Committee held a hearing this morning, "Investing in Early Education: Paths to Improving Children's Success."

Find more information in the Committee release issued after the hearing >>

Acting Chairwoman Mazie Hirono:

Acting Chairwoman Hirono: "Federal, state, and local programs have shown us that investments in high quality early education can make a tremendous difference in children's futures -- both in and outside of the classroom. High quality early education can improve children's reading, math, and language skills, strengthen parenting practices and help increase school readiness, and lead to better health and behavior. But we also have a long way to go to ensure that all children can get a high-quality early education foundation."

Kathleen Priestley, Early Education Coordinator for the City of Orange School District in New Jersey:

Priestly: ""...[P]arents tell me stories regularly about what their children have learned, and kindergarten teachers and principals marvel at the difference between the children who have attended [our early education programs] and those that have not."