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Alabama School Readiness Alliance
E X P A N S I O N O F
First Class Pre-K in Alabama
Recommendations for the
But only 9%
of four-year-olds in
Alabama have access
to the program.
invested in high-quality pre-k now saves taxpayers up to in the future.6
Alabama School Readiness Alliance
PRE-K TASK FORCE
Alabama First Class Pre-K alums...
Alabama First Class Pre-K
Alabama’s First Class Pre-K
has been ranked #1 in the
country for quality.
For 7 years in a row,
1 At the end of their year in First Class Pre-K, students surpass national expectations in vocabulary assessments (Alabama Department of Children’s Affairs, 2011).2 Last year, 100% of Alabama third graders that attended First Class Pre-K scored proficient in reading (Governor Robert Bentley, State of the State Address, 2014)3 Governor Robert Bentley, State of the State Address, 20144 Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama. The PARCA Perspective, October 20135 Committee for Economic Development, The economic promise of investing in high-quality preschool: Using early education to improve economic growth and the fiscal sustainability of states and the nation, 2006.6 Wat, A. (2007). Dollars and Sense: A Review of Economic Analyses of Pre-K. Pre-K Now, Washington, D.C.
A $12.8 millionincrease would...
As part of its Pre-K Task Force's goal to ensure that all families have access to high-quality, voluntary pre-k within the next ten years, the Alabama School Readiness Alliance recommends increasing state investments in
First Class by $12.8 million. This would bring total First Class Pre-K investments to $41.3 million for FY15.
additional four-year-oldsnew classrooms
help enrollopen
2014 RECOMMENDATION
� are ready for kindergarten1
� test proficient in reading2
� have higher attendance rates3
� are less likely to require special education placement3
� are less likely to repeat grades3
Additional research has shown that children that attend high-quality pre-k programs are:
+ more likely to graduate
+ more likely to attend college
+ more likely to succeed in the workforce
– less likely to commit a crime
– less likely to rely on social welfare programs5
First Class Pre-K closes the achievement gap for
lower income students by an average of 25%
and by as much as 29%.4
The Alabama School Readiness Alliance… has put together a task force of business leaders, children’s advocates, educators and philanthropists pushing to expand First Class…. We have a first-class pre-k program, one of the best in the country. Let’s give it first-class funding.
Birmingham News / AL.com Editorial
Welcome to the Pre-K Task Force Recommendations for the Expansion of First Class Pre-K in AlabamaDeveloped in 2012. Revised in 2013 for the 2014 Legislative Session
In 2011, the Alabama School Readiness Alliance formed a statewide Pre-K Task Force to grow connections among pre-k champions and identify short- and long-term strategies to increase investments in high-quality, voluntary pre-k in Alabama. Members of the task force came together to study pre-k research, best practices and cost estimates.
The Pre-K Task Force’s recommendations outline a vision for expanding Alabama’s high-quality, voluntary First Class pre-k program so that all families have the opportunity to enroll their four-year-olds. To accomplish this goal, the Pre-K Task Force has recommended increasing the total level of state investments in First Class Pre-K by $125 million over a ten-year period, beginning in 2013-2014 and culminating in 2023-2024.
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For 7 years in a row, But only 9% Alabama’s First Class Pre-K has been
ranked #1 in the country for quality.
of four-year-olds in Alabama
have access to the program.
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achievement gap reduction with First Class Pre-K 25%
achievement gap without First Class Pre-K
now saves taxpayers up to in the future.
invested in First Class Pre-K
A $12.8 millionincrease would... additional four-year-oldsnew classrooms
help enrollopen
2014 RecommendationAs part of its Pre-K Task Force’s goal to ensure that all
families have access to high-quality, voluntary pre-k within the next ten years, the Alabama School Readiness
Alliance recommends increasing state investments in First Class by $12.8 million. This would bring total First
Class Pre-K investments to $41.3 million for FY15.
First Lady of Alabama Dianne Bentley with the Alabama School Readiness Alliance Pre-K Task Force co-chairs, Bob Powers (left) and Mike Luce (right)
Knowing what we know about the positive and lasting effects of quality pre-k, it is easy to see why expanding First Class is not only the right thing to do, but also the smart thing to do.
Mike Luce, president and COO of Harbert Management and a co-chair of the Alabama School Readiness Alliance’s Pre-K Task Force.
Pre-K Task Force Co-ChairsMike Luce President and COO, Harbert Management, Inc.
Bob Powers President, The Eufaula Agency
Pre-K Task Force MembersCarolyn Akers Executive Director, Mobile Area Education Foundation
Jeremy L. Arthur President, Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama
Florence Bellamy Immediate Past President, Alabama Association of School Boards
Melanie Bridgeforth Executive Director, VOICES for Alabama’s Children
Billy Canary President and CEO, Business Council of Alabama
Jeff Coleman President and CEO, Coleman World Group
Charles Collat, Sr. Chairman Emeritus, Mayer Electric Supply
David Donaldson Vice President, Governmental & Community Relations, Vulcan Materials Company
Gillian Goodrich Trustee, Mike and Gillian Goodrich Charitable Foundation
Seth Hammett Former Speaker of the Alabama House
Jim Hansen Regional President Northern Alabama, The PNC Financial Services Group
Brian Hardin Assistant Director, Governmental & Agricultural Programs, Alabama Farmers Federation
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There is no doubt that high-quality pre-k works and that it is a critical part in making our students and the state competitive on a long-term basis. We cannot afford not to invest in high-quality, voluntary pre-k.
Bob Powers, president of The Eufaula Agency, chair of the Education & Workforce Committee of the Business Council of Alabama, and a co-chair of the Alabama
School Readiness Alliance’s Pre-K Task Force
James Harrison, Jr. Chairman and CEO, Harco Drug, Retired
Sally Howell Executive Director, Alabama Association of School Boards
Liz Huntley Associate, Lightfoot Franklin & White, LLC
Johnny Johns President and CEO, Protective Life
Tom Joiner Geologist, Tom Joiner & Associates, Retired
Shelley Jones Community Volunteer and Retired Elementary School Principal
Drew Langloh President, United Way of Central Alabama
Barbara Larson Executive Director, Leadership Alabama
Linda Lee Executive Director, Alabama Chapter - American Academy of Pediatrics
Jay Love Former State Representative; Co-Chair, Business Education Alliance
Frank “Trippy” McGuire District Judge, Covington County
Sue McInnish Executive Director, Alabama Civil Justice Foundation
Joe Morton Former State Superintendent of Education, Co-Chair, Business Education Alliance
Caroline Novak President, A+ Education Partnership
Jim Page President and CEO, Tuscaloosa Chamber of Commerce
Major General Butch Pair US Army, Retired
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It was because of a quality pre-k program… that I am able to be here today. That foundation made the difference, and it can make a difference for all children in Alabama.
- Liz Huntley, Associate, Lightfoot Franklin & White, LLC; Member of the Alabama School Readiness Alliance’s Pre-K Task Force
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Gail Piggott Executive Director, Alabama Partnership for Children
Barry Sadler Retired Superintendent, Eufaula City Schools
Kristina Scott Executive Director, Alabama Possible
Ann Sikes Executive Director, Montgomery Education Foundation
Taylor Simmons Director of Workforce Readiness, Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce
Zeke Smith Executive Vice President, Alabama Power Company
Christie Steigerwald Owner, Kid Plus Learning Center, Foley
Jera Stribling Executive Director, Joseph S. Bruno Charitable Foundation
Linda Tilly Retired children’s advocate, Montgomery
Lissa Tucker Director of Governmental Relations, Alabama Association of School Boards
Casey Wardynski Superintendent, Huntsville City Schools
Leila Watson Attorney, Cory, Watson, Crowder & DeGaris
James C. Wiley, MD, FAAP Immediate Past President, Alabama Chapter-American Academy of Pediatrics & Founder of FOCUS Clinic, Mobile
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Nothing is more important than ensuring Alabama children receive the best education possible and in Alabama that starts at age four.
- The Honorable Mike Hubbard, Speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives
Pre-K Task-Force Recommendations 2013 REVISED VERSION
We recommend expanding Alabama’s high-quality, voluntary First Class pre-k program so that all families have the opportunity to enroll their four-year-olds. To accomplish this goal, we recommend increasing the total level of state investments in First Class Pre-K by $125 million, which can be achieved over a ten-year period through modest annual increases.1
We recommend that additional state investments in First Class Pre-K:
✓ prioritize expanding access to students at-risk of school failure;
✓ encourage and leverage the use of local and private matching funds;
✓ are sustainable and based on the true costs of a high-quality program; and
✓ are guided by data from a statewide school readiness assessment.
1 This recommendation is based on cost estimates from the National Institute for Early Education Research.
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2014 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITY: Increase First Class Pre-K Investments by $12.8 Million
The Pre-K Task Force recommends that leaders increase state investments in First Class Pre-K by $12.8 million during the 2014 Legislative Session. An additional $12.8 million is needed each year in the remaining nine years of the Pre-K Task Force’s decade-long vision for fully funding First Class Pre-K.
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[Pre-k] expansion will provide a solid foundation for Alabama children.
- The Honorable Vivian Davis Figures, Alabama Senate Democratic Caucus Leader
We support the continued use of a “diverse delivery” grant structure for First Class Pre-K that creates high-quality, state-funded pre-k classrooms in both public schools and private programs (such as child care and faith-based centers). All First Class providers must adhere to the program’s quality standards and coordinate with schools to facilitate children’s smooth transition into kindergarten.
The Department of Children’s Affairs, which administers First Class Pre-K, should continue to improve coordination with the Department of Education in order to ensure that resources are used efficiently and that First Class Pre-K is aligned with K-12 learning standards, data systems, accountability and assessment. This collaboration should be supported and enhanced by Alabama’s Early Childhood Advisory Council, the body that coordinates services for young children across state agencies.
As the Department of Children’s Affairs expands access to First Class Pre-K, it should maintain the ten quality benchmarks measured annually by the National Institute for Early Education Research.
We recommend that the Department of Children’s Affairs continue efforts to enhance and measure the quality of First Class Pre-K. The quality of teaching should be regularly observed and student outcomes should be tracked over time through a high-quality, longitudinal program evaluation.
While the state expands access to First Class Pre-K, we recommend that local governments, private companies and charitable organizations work together to address lingering school readiness gaps by investing in high-quality pre-k and summer Jump Start programs that prepare children for kindergarten.
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First Class Pre K closes the achievement gap for lower income students by an average of 25 percent and by as much as 29%.
- Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama
But only 9%
of four-year-olds in
Alabama have access
to the program.
invested in high-quality pre-k now saves taxpayers up to in the future.6
Alabama School Readiness Alliance
PRE-K TASK FORCE
Alabama First Class Pre-K alums...
Alabama First Class Pre-K
Alabama’s First Class Pre-K
has been ranked #1 in the
country for quality.
For 7 years in a row,
1 At the end of their year in First Class Pre-K, students surpass national expectations in vocabulary assessments (Alabama Department of Children’s Affairs, 2011).2 Last year, 100% of Alabama third graders that attended First Class Pre-K scored proficient in reading (Governor Robert Bentley, State of the State Address, 2014)3 Governor Robert Bentley, State of the State Address, 20144 Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama. The PARCA Perspective, October 20135 Committee for Economic Development, The economic promise of investing in high-quality preschool: Using early education to improve economic growth and the fiscal sustainability of states and the nation, 2006.6 Wat, A. (2007). Dollars and Sense: A Review of Economic Analyses of Pre-K. Pre-K Now, Washington, D.C.
A $12.8 millionincrease would...
As part of its Pre-K Task Force's goal to ensure that all families have access to high-quality, voluntary pre-k within the next ten years, the Alabama School Readiness Alliance recommends increasing state investments in
First Class by $12.8 million. This would bring total First Class Pre-K investments to $41.3 million for FY15.
additional four-year-oldsnew classrooms
help enrollopen
2014 RECOMMENDATION
� are ready for kindergarten1
� test proficient in reading2
� have higher attendance rates3
� are less likely to require special education placement3
� are less likely to repeat grades3
Additional research has shown that children that attend high-quality pre-k programs are:
+ more likely to graduate
+ more likely to attend college
+ more likely to succeed in the workforce
– less likely to commit a crime
– less likely to rely on social welfare programs5
First Class Pre-K closes the achievement gap for
lower income students by an average of 25%
and by as much as 29%.4
Why High-Quality Pre-K Works A “college and career ready” workforce is critical to Alabama’s ability to grow and attract the strong business and industry that will ensure our state’s economic vitality. Evidence has shown us that high-quality early childhood education is critical to this success and should be made available to all children in Alabama.
Research shows that the academic “achievement gap” begins as a school readiness gap.2 Moreover, brain science tells us that the first five years of a child’s life establish either a sturdy or a fragile foundation for everything that follows—and getting things right the first time is easier and less expensive than trying to fix them when a child is older.3
High-quality, voluntary pre-kindergarten (pre-k) for four-year-olds is an effective early childhood education program that prepares children to succeed socially, emotionally and academically in kindergarten and beyond.
✓4567
2 Burkam, D., & Lee, V. (2002). Inequality at the starting gate: Social background differences in achievement as children begin school . Economic Policy Institute, Washington, DC.3 Shonkoff, J.P., & Phillips, D.A. (2000). From neurons to neighborhoods: The science of early childhood development. National Academy Press, Washington, DC.4 At the end of their year in First Class Pre-K, students surpass national expectations in vocabulary assessments (Alabama Department of Children’s Affairs, 2011). 5 Last year, 100% of Alabama third graders that attended First Class Pre-K scored proficient in reading (Governor Robert Bentley, State of the State Address, 2014)6 Governor Robert Bentley, State of the State Address, 20147 Committee for Economic Development (2006). The economic promise of investing in high-quality preschool: Using early education to improve economic growth and the fiscal sustainability of states and the nation. Washington, D.C.
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But only 9%
of four-year-olds in
Alabama have access
to the program.
invested in high-quality pre-k now saves taxpayers up to in the future.6
Alabama School Readiness Alliance
PRE-K TASK FORCE
Alabama First Class Pre-K alums...
Alabama First Class Pre-K
Alabama’s First Class Pre-K
has been ranked #1 in the
country for quality.
For 7 years in a row,
1 At the end of their year in First Class Pre-K, students surpass national expectations in vocabulary assessments (Alabama Department of Children’s Affairs, 2011).2 Last year, 100% of Alabama third graders that attended First Class Pre-K scored proficient in reading (Governor Robert Bentley, State of the State Address, 2014)3 Governor Robert Bentley, State of the State Address, 20144 Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama. The PARCA Perspective, October 20135 Committee for Economic Development, The economic promise of investing in high-quality preschool: Using early education to improve economic growth and the fiscal sustainability of states and the nation, 2006.6 Wat, A. (2007). Dollars and Sense: A Review of Economic Analyses of Pre-K. Pre-K Now, Washington, D.C.
A $12.8 millionincrease would...
As part of its Pre-K Task Force's goal to ensure that all families have access to high-quality, voluntary pre-k within the next ten years, the Alabama School Readiness Alliance recommends increasing state investments in
First Class by $12.8 million. This would bring total First Class Pre-K investments to $41.3 million for FY15.
additional four-year-oldsnew classrooms
help enrollopen
2014 RECOMMENDATION
� are ready for kindergarten1
� test proficient in reading2
� have higher attendance rates3
� are less likely to require special education placement3
� are less likely to repeat grades3
Additional research has shown that children that attend high-quality pre-k programs are:
+ more likely to graduate
+ more likely to attend college
+ more likely to succeed in the workforce
– less likely to commit a crime
– less likely to rely on social welfare programs5
First Class Pre-K closes the achievement gap for
lower income students by an average of 25%
and by as much as 29%.4
4
5
6
6
6
7
of Alabama third graders that attended First Class Pre-K scored proficient in reading.
Last year, 100%
It is hard to argue against the value of the First Class program or its quality after you see it up-close and in-person.
- The Honorable Trip Pittman, chairman of the Alabama Senate Finance Taxation and Education Committee
That is why economists estimate that every $1 invested in high-quality pre-k saves taxpayers between $2 and $17 later on by reducing the need for remedial and special education, welfare, and social and criminal justice services.8
Alabama Voters Support Pre-KPublic support for pre-k expansion in Alabama remains strong despite the economic downturn. A survey conducted by ASRA indicates that a majority of Alabama voters support the expansion of publicly-funded, high quality, voluntary pre-k and approve of a state budget increase to provide greater access for children.9 Given the overwhelming evidence and public support behind pre-k, the ASRA Pre-K Task Force believes that every four-year-old in Alabama should have access to the high-quality, voluntary First Class pre-k program.
8 Wat, A. (2007). Dollars and Sense: A Review of Economic Analyses of Pre-K. Pre-K Now, Washington, D.C.9 Peter D. Hart Research Associates, Inc., and The Tarrance Group. (2010). Statewide survey of 600 registered voters in Alabama.
achievement gap reduction with First Class Pre-K 25%
achievement gap without First Class Pre-K
now saves taxpayers up to in the future.
invested in First Class Pre-K
A $12.8 millionincrease would... additional four-year-oldsnew classrooms
help enrollopen
69% of voters support pre-kindergarten funding
69%
Nearly 75% of voters said Alabama should increase its
commitment to high-quality pre-kindergarten education
75%
Nearly 75% of voters said it’s important for
4-year-olds to spend time in pre-kindergarten
75%
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The most important part of a child’s education is a good, solid foundation, and Alabama’s First Class voluntary pre-k program provides that. By expanding access to voluntary pre-k, we are able to benefit more children here in Alabama. This program was developed by early childhood education experts from Alabama for the children of Alabama. We have Alabama-based guidelines and quality assurances. And First Class voluntary pre-k is recognized nationally for its quality.
The Honorable Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama
About Alabama’s First Class Pre-KFirst Class is Alabama’s state-funded pre-k program. The Office of School Readiness in the Alabama Department of Children’s Affairs administers First Class Pre-K by providing and monitoring grants to support high-quality pre-k classrooms in a variety of settings.
For more information, visit http://children.alabama.gov/first-class
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counties with 5 or fewer First Class Pre-K sites
counties with more than 5 First Class Pre-K sites
Alabama First Class Pre-K SitesBY COUNTY
AUTAUGA
CLEBURNE
FAYETTE
LIMESTONE
PIKE
BALDWIN
COFFEE
FRANKLIN
RUSSELL
BIBB
CONECUH
GREENE
MADISON
SHELBY
BLOUNT
COOSA
HALE
MARENGO
ST. CLAIR
BULLOCK
COVINGTON
HENRY
MARION
SUMTER
BUTLER
CRENSHAW
HOUSTON
MARSHALL
TALLADEGA
CALHOUN
CULLMAN
JACKSON
MOBILE
TALLAPOOSA
CHAMBERS
DALE
JEFFERSON
MONROE
TUSCALOOSA
CHEROKEE
DALLAS
LAMAR
MONTGOMERY
WALKER
CHILTON
DEKALB
LAUDERDALE
MORGAN
WASHINGTON
CHOCTAW
ELMORE
LAWRENCE
PERRY
WILCOX
CLARKE
ESCAMBIA
LEE
PICKENS
WINSTON
CLAY
ETOWAH
GENEVA
MACON
LOWNDES
RANDOLPH
BARBOUR
COLBERT
1
1
1
1
1
11
1 1
1
2
2
22
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
22
2
2
3
3
3
33
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
5
5
6 6
6
6
7 7
7
8
8
9
15
11
15
29
15
12 18
Alabama’s voluntary pre-k program is the nation’s best and one that others across the country are studying to learn how to prepare their kids for kindergarten and a lifetime of learning. I am proud that four of the new First Class program sites statewide are in Calhoun County, and look forward to working in the next legislative session to reduce our pre-k waiting lists even further.
- Senator Del Marsh, President Pro Tempore of the Alabama Senate
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First Class Pre-K Quality StandardsAlabama’s First Class Pre-K program is ranked as the #1 state-funded pre-k program in the country because it meets 10 out of the 10 research-based quality standards recommended by the National Institute for Early Education Research.
Quality Benchmarks
1. Comprehensive early learning standards;
2. Pre-k teachers have a bachelor’s degree;
3. Pre-k teachers have specialized early childhood training;
4. Assistant pre-k teachers have a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential;
5. Teachers participate in a substantial number of hours of professional development;
6. Maximum class size is 20 or fewer;
7. Staff to child ratio is 1:10 or less;
8. Children receive screening, referral and support services for vision, hearing, dental, health and other support areas;
9. Children are provided meals and/or snacks;
10. Systems hold individual classrooms accountable and monitor to ensure quality standards are being met.
I absolutely love pre-k. I wish it was available for all children. I can definitely tell the difference in students that have had pre-k and children that have not.
- Rosee’ Brown, Kindergarten Teacher, Southlawn Elementary, Montgomery
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About the Alabama School Readiness AllianceAlabama School Readiness Alliance (ASRA) supports the growth of high-quality, voluntary pre-kindergarten in Alabama. ASRA works to ensure that pre-k is a continuing priority for Alabama’s children, parents, community leaders, legislators and governing officials.
Our MissionThe Alabama School Readiness Alliance’s mission is to close student achievement gaps by helping Alabama’s children enter school ready to succeed.
Contact UsAllison de la Torre, Executive Director P.O. Box 4433, Montgomery, AL 36103 Phone: (334) 450-1027
E-mail: [email protected]
www.alabamaschoolreadiness.org
ASRA would like to thank our funding partners:
AAA Cooper TransportationAlabama Civil Justice FoundationAlabama Power CompanyAlfred Saliba CorporationBBG Specialty Foods, Inc.Melanie BridgeforthBob PowersBusiness Council of AlabamaCadence BankColeman World GroupThe Community Foundation of Greater BirminghamCovenant SteelDaniel Foundation of AlabamaEBSCO Industries, Inc.Harbert Management CorporationJames I. Harrison Family FoundationThe J.K. Lowder Family FoundationJoseph S. Bruno Foundation
Liz HuntleyMike LuceMayer Electric Supply CompanySue McInnishMcWane FoundationThe Mike & Gillian Goodrich FoundationCaroline NovakPepi CompaniesGail PiggottPNC Bank / PNC Grow Up GreatProtective LifePublic FASlingluff United InsuranceJera StriblingLinda TillyVulcan Materials CompanyWiregrass FoundationWinco, LLC
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is an alliance of:
www.alabamaschoolreadiness.org
Some of the companies and organizations represented on the Alabama School Readiness Alliance’s statewide Pre-K Task Force:
But only 9%
of four-year-olds in
Alabama have access
to the program.
invested in high-quality pre-k now saves taxpayers up to in the future.6
Alabama School Readiness Alliance
PRE-K TASK FORCE
Alabama First Class Pre-K alums...
Alabama First Class Pre-K
Alabama’s First Class Pre-K
has been ranked #1 in the
country for quality.
For 7 years in a row,
1 At the end of their year in First Class Pre-K, students surpass national expectations in vocabulary assessments (Alabama Department of Children’s Affairs, 2011).2 Last year, 100% of Alabama third graders that attended First Class Pre-K scored proficient in reading (Governor Robert Bentley, State of the State Address, 2014)3 Governor Robert Bentley, State of the State Address, 20144 Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama. The PARCA Perspective, October 20135 Committee for Economic Development, The economic promise of investing in high-quality preschool: Using early education to improve economic growth and the fiscal sustainability of states and the nation, 2006.6 Wat, A. (2007). Dollars and Sense: A Review of Economic Analyses of Pre-K. Pre-K Now, Washington, D.C.
A $12.8 millionincrease would...
As part of its Pre-K Task Force's goal to ensure that all families have access to high-quality, voluntary pre-k within the next ten years, the Alabama School Readiness Alliance recommends increasing state investments in
First Class by $12.8 million. This would bring total First Class Pre-K investments to $41.3 million for FY15.
additional four-year-oldsnew classrooms
help enrollopen
2014 RECOMMENDATION
� are ready for kindergarten1
� test proficient in reading2
� have higher attendance rates3
� are less likely to require special education placement3
� are less likely to repeat grades3
Additional research has shown that children that attend high-quality pre-k programs are:
+ more likely to graduate
+ more likely to attend college
+ more likely to succeed in the workforce
– less likely to commit a crime
– less likely to rely on social welfare programs5
First Class Pre-K closes the achievement gap for
lower income students by an average of 25%
and by as much as 29%.4