Civil and Human Rights Coalition Applauds Introduction of Early Childhood Bill

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WASHINGTON– Wade Henderson, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement after the introduction of the Strong Start for America’s Children Act (SSACA):

“We commend Senator Harkin and Representatives Miller and Hanna for their leadership in introducing the Strong Start for America’s Children Act. The SSACA would significantly expand access to early childhood education programs for low-income children.

Access to a high-quality education is a civil and human right, regardless of your race, color, or zip code. Yet, too many children enter school well behind their peers. The SSACA would help level the playing field by dramatically increasing access to high quality preschool for all 4-year olds whose families are below 200 percent of the poverty line.

The outcomes of early childhood education are well-established. For example, in New Jersey, which has had a robust state-funded preschool program in place as a result of orders in the Abbott v. Burke resource equity case, participating students showed academic gains of nearly a full school year. The positive impact of preschool lasts well beyond the early grades by improving social, economic, and cognitive outcomes. The SSACA ‘pay-off’ for the nation is clear. Every dollar invested in quality preschool programs yields seven dollars to our economy.

The SSACA is a moral and economic necessity for our children and our nation. We call on Congress to swiftly pass this bill.”

Wade Henderson is the president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 200 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States. The Leadership Conference works toward an America as good as its ideals. For more information on The Leadership Conference and its 200-plus member organizations, visit www.civilrights.org.