STARS Montana Early Education Program

"As our country continues to move forward on the critical task of expanding access to high-quality early learning programs for all children, we must do everything we can to ensure that children with disabilities are part of that." U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan

Parents and schools all have a responsibility to teach children life skills. Providing help early for the kids who have difficulties makes sense. Interpersonal skills will always be important, and lacking them is a great disadvantage.

Policymakers in Minnesota, like many across the country, have been impressed by studies that show early education can improve a child’s life and save taxpayers money over the long term.

The study’s findings underscore the importance of early intervention.

"The Preschool Development Grant is critical for our state to build, develop, and expand high-quality preschool programs so children from low-and moderate-income families have the opportunity enter kindergarten ready to succeed in school and in life," Bullock and Juneau said in the letter. "We urge you to stand with Montana’s earliest learners, their families and their teachers, and work to fully fund the Preschool Development Grants."

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes receive a $100,000 grant from the Department of Health and Human Services to support early education efforts.

In other words, many of America’s young children are in preschool settings being taught and cared for by staff members who earn so little that they’re among the working poor.

It’s the pro-social skills – the ability to put yourself in someone else’s shoes – this is what shapes the likelihood that you’ll stay out of trouble later on."

"There is overwhelming research out there that shows kids reaping the benefits of early childhood education."

Oregon is taking a bold step forward by expanding preschool opportunities for children from families whose incomes are at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level.