STARS Montana Early Education Program

Studies find that the mathematics knowledge acquired in early childhood and early elementary grades is a critical foundation for long-term student success.

That’s where Montana should put some state money first: preschool for disadvantaged children, such as those who are in state-subsidized day care while their parents work at low-paying jobs.

"The approval of these standards is an important
step toward giving Montana’s earliest learners
the
strong educational foundation
they deserve
–
and
our state needs
." Gov. Steve Bullock

With research showing language gaps between the children of affluent parents and those from low-income families emerging at an early age, educators have puzzled over how best to reach parents and guide them to do things like read to their children and talk to them regularly.

"Examining the status, success and challenges of existing efforts is the best way to build a coordinated agenda to increase third-grade reading efficiency, close the achievement gap and support children from birth to third grade."

Governor Steve Bullock’s Early Edge proposal http://earlyedge.mt.gov/ would make available, voluntary and high-quality early childhood education to every Montana four-year-old.

"It’s a pilot to see if the need is there," Watson said. "We think it is, but until we start, we really don’t know. We’d like to test the waters and get a curriculum lined out in case the governor’s plan passes."

Please take two minutes to submit written comments to the board by 5 PM today.

As states have increased requirements for early educators to have college degrees, the lack of sufficient higher education programs — and appropriately qualified faculty to teach in those programs — has become pressingly evident."

These resources will help parents, professionals, and policymakers understand the importance of supporting early language and literacy and how best to do so.