When Bill de Blasio placed universal Pre-K at the forefront of his New York City mayoral campaign in 2013, he signaled a commitment to expanding educational opportunities for all children, regardless of their socioeconomic background.
Currently, full-day pre-K with support for teachers and quality standards is available for free for any family with 4-year-olds. It serves as an example of how political leverage can be mobilized for progress, illustrating how strategic policy decisions can translate into tangible benefits for children and families.
The impact of early childhood education extends far beyond the child — it resonates throughout our communities and shapes the future of our nation. Research consistently demonstrates that investments in early learning yield long-term benefits such as enhanced cognitive development, emotional intelligence, and social skills that form the bedrock of a thriving society. By elevating this issue to the forefront of the national conversation, we can mobilize support for comprehensive policies that address the needs of our youngest learners. This proactive stance not only sets children up for academic success but also mitigates societal challenges such as low literacy rates and disparities in educational attainment.
Dr. Marcus A. Bright
Early childhood education is the foundation upon which all future learning is built. By ensuring that every child has access to high-quality early learning experiences, higher education institutions would be advocating for investing in a pipeline of well-prepared, motivated students who are more likely to succeed in their academic pursuits. This, in turn, benefits higher education institutions by attracting a diverse pool of talented individuals who are better equipped to excel in their chosen fields of study.
Higher education institutions can hold a pivotal position in this movement, with a unique opportunity to champion a cause that not only resonates with their core values but also serves their long-term interests. Advocating for universal early learning coverage also provides higher education institutions with the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research and innovation in the field of early childhood education. By partnering with policymakers, educators, and other stakeholders, universities can leverage their resources and expertise to develop evidence-based practices that improve outcomes for young learners.
Childcare is not just a familial concern; it is a workforce issue that impacts the entire community. More parents can enter the workforce and provide income for their families if the increasing cost of early learning is lifted through legislative action.
