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DESE Backs President’s Pre-K Proposal

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Missouri’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education supports President Obama’s new Universal Pre-K proposal. The proposed program is still under development.

Proponents cite numerous studies that show children respond well to learning at younger ages. It fosters a better student for future teachers, and a higher rate of graduation.

Sarah Potter is the Communications Coordinator with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. She says this program is a welcome addition to the existing school system.

“Providing that early childhood education is kind of a leveling factor, allowing them to actually get a head start and actually be able to compete with other kids who are being read to,” Potter said.

Potter says this proposal is just the first step.

“Every day we’re educating kids in early childhood. Unfortunately it’s a small number,” Potter said. “We’d love to see that number grow. To hear the President talk about it is really encouraging.”

While the program has support from Missouri’s educators, the President will have an uphill battle winning the favor of Congressional Republicans, who are loathe to see a spending increase. Missouri is currently trying out several different pre-K teaching methods in an attempt to find the best fit.