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| About the Campaign | Join the Campaign | Early Learning Resources |  |
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"The early years are crucially important to the future success of our young. Research makes clear that the earlier learning begins, the better a child's life chances." - Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie “‘Preschool for All’ will help ensure Illinois’ children have the ability to enter kindergarten with a strong foundation for learning. High-quality early education is a crucial step toward making sure children have the early literacy opportunities that can give them the skills to succeed.”- Sen. Carol Ronen "Early learning is the 'holy grail' that holds the key to solving so many social and political problems that today seem intractable - remedial education, economic opportunity, juvenile crime, teenage preganancy, the entire cycle of poverty." - Sen. Don Harmon "I feel most strongly that it is critical that state government improve the early learning experiences of children under age 5! This must take place not only for improving the later educational opportunities of the children and therefore their life chances, but I believe it's absolutely essential for the economic survival of our nation." - Rep. Mike Boland "The need to continue improving our early learning programs ranks as one of the most pressing issues facing state government." - Lisa Madigan, Illinois Attorney General "Children who get preschool are better prepared to succeed when they start Kindergarten and as they move to the early elementary grades—socially, emotionally and cognitively. To illustrate, in 2002, 59 percent of children who were in one of our state-funded PreK classrooms met or exceeded ISAT standards for reading at both the 3rd and 5th grades." - Dr. Randy J. Dunn, State Superintendent (see full statement pdf file 90kb) “We see the growing need for preschool education, particularly with middle class families. The Governor’s ‘Preschool for All’ program would help meet that need and be a great benefit to Illinois families.” - Jesse Ruiz, Illinois State Board of Education Chairman "Participation in early childhood education programs lessens the likelihood that a student will repeat a grade or drop out of school entirely." - James Dougherty, President, Illinois Federation of Teachers (see full statement pdf file 28kb) “The research about the benefits of preschool is clear: children who have quality early learning experiences do better in school and are more likely to succeed in life. We need to redefine ‘education’ to include the option of voluntary preschool, and we cannot deny any of our children this important opportunity.” - Jerry Stermer, President, Voices for Illinois Children
“Preschool will make a difference that will last a lifetime. The
Governor builds on successes in Illinois that have given our
children options, opportunities and access through early care
and education. This is further evidence that he understands the
value of making children and their future a priority.” -
Maria Whelan, President, Illinois Action for Children “It’s imperative we leave no stone unturned in our quest to place our children on the fast track to success, and the “Preschool for All” initiative is certainly in line with that mindset. We feel very comfortable in supporting this measure and encourage the community to lend its voice to this most worthwhile effort that stands to benefit generations of young people.” - Dr. Theresa Saunders, Superintendent, East St. Louis School District 189 “Preschool can make a difference that will last a lifetime for children and for our community as a whole. Children who go to preschool tend to stay in school, and employers benefit from a better-educated workforce.” - Bill Leaver, President and CEO, Trinity Regional Health System in Rock Island “We see first hand the impact that high-quality preschool has on our 3- and 4-year-olds: They are ready to learn, and they have the tools to succeed in kindergarten and beyond. ‘Preschool for All’ will further enhance these results. ‘Preschool for All’ will serve children in a variety of settings, including community-based child care programs.” - Jill Moore, Owner and Director, Early Learning Center in Champaign “Children and families for generations to come will enjoy the benefits of Governor Blagojevich’s far-sighted vision for Illinois. His leadership will ensure the success of the Pre-K-through-12 system in this state.” - Libby Doggett, Executive Director, Pre-K Now national advocacy organization “My son has the chance to have a brighter future; because of his experience in Erie’s preschool program, he will be ready for kindergarten. As a working mom, preschool gives me the peace of mind that my child is learning and growing so that I can go to work and support our family." - Evelyn Corona, Chicago parent “This initiative will give the children of today a better tomorrow by starting their formal education at a time when their minds are ready to expand.” - Joe Vermiere, Superintendent, Regional Office of Education in Rock Island “My 3-year-old son has really blossomed in a group setting with other children and with his teachers. Preschool at a young age is important because it prepares children for kindergarten, and it will help ensure my son greater success in school. The staff reinforces the lessons I’m teaching him at home.” - Cara Banks, Rock Island parent “Research evidence is overwhelming that early childhood education pays financial dividends by reducing future costs for special education and other forms of remediation. In fact, children who participate in high-quality early childhood programs make better progress in language, math and social skills in comparison to their peers who did not have the opportunity.” - Janice Moenster, member, Illinois Early Learning Council from Granite City “In most of what we do, it makes common sense to start at the beginning and build a foundation. In education, we haven’t done that yet and it’s high time we did. It makes no sense to start six years into the learning process.” - John Roope, Director, Chaddock Training Institute in Quincy |
Early Learning Illinois is a joint project of Action for Children, Ounce of Prevention Fund and Voices for Illinois Children.