Boston, Mass. — In response to the passage of the Build Back Better Act in the House of Representatives today, which includes an historic investment in early care and universal pre-K, Mark Reilly, Vice President of Policy & Government Relations at Jumpstart for Young Children, released the following statement:
“This bill is extraordinary. The historic $400 billion investment will finally make high-quality early learning programs accessible to all children, especially children of color and those from underserved communities. Quality preschool programs – particularly those taught by trained educators who represent the communities they serve – are the most effective way to disrupt the cycle of poverty and vastly increase students’ chances at success throughout their lives. The bill will also provide early educators a living wage comparable to elementary educators, finally acknowledging their crucial role in the development of young minds. This funding and the programs it supports will change lives, all while allowing parents and caregivers to continue to choose the provider that makes the most sense for their family.
“As we celebrate this victory in the House, we now urge Senate leaders to continue their strong commitment to early education and care that they have demonstrated since the onset of the pandemic and throughout the Build Back Better negotiations. For the benefit of the families working to afford high-quality care and education, the devoted educators who provide that education and care, and the young children who are the future of the country, it’s time to get this bill across the finish line.”
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ABOUT JUMPSTART FOR YOUNG CHILDREN
Jumpstart is a national early education organization working toward the day every child in America enters kindergarten prepared to succeed. Jumpstart advances equitable learning outcomes for young children in underserved communities by recruiting and supporting caring adults to deliver high-quality programming to children and drive systems change through teaching, advocacy, and leadership. Jumpstart is also a proud member of the AmeriCorps national service network. Over its 26 years’ experience leveraging the power of caring adults to close the opportunity gap for young children in this way, Jumpstart has engaged 58,000 college students to transform the lives of 133,000 children. Learn more at jstart.org and follow us on Twitter at @Jumpstartkids.
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