Statewide Campaign for Universal Pre-K

A coalition has formed in Pennsylvania around providing access to pre-kindergarten for all children in the state. The campaign, Pre-K For PA, is advocating that universal Pre-K would make education more equal and give young children a better chance to succeed throughout their life.

“No child’s destiny should be decided by his or her fifth birthday,” said Jill Michal, president and CEO of United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey, at a launch event last month in Philadelphia.

The main purpose of the campaign is to make universal Pre-K an issue in the upcoming PA gubernatorial race, according to a newsletter from the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

The Economy League will serve as the brains behind the campaign by providing research on the economic impact of Pre-K access. It will also serve as an advocate in the business community. 

Other organizations involved in the campaign include:

• Delaware Valley Association for the Education of Young Children
• Economy League of Greater Philadelphia
• Fight Crime: Invest in Kids
• Mission: Readiness
• Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children
• Pennsylvania Head Start Association
• Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children
• Pittsburgh Association for the Education of Young Children
• Public Citizens for Children and Youth
• United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey

More information is available here.