While the sequestration horizon looks gloomy, a ray of sunshine: Education Secretary Arne Duncan and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius are joining forces this morning to continue the momentum around President Obama’s recent proposal for expanding high-quality early learning opportunities nationwide.
The joint visit will take place at 10 am EST at the Judy Center at Rolling Terrace Elementary School in Takoma Park, Md., highlighting the exemplary birth to five programs already in place and the devastation that sequestration cuts will force upon early childhood education. First Five Years Fund executive director Kris Perry will be in attendance along with many of our colleagues, including the National Head Start Association, National Association for the Education of Young Children, and National Women’s Law Center. Check back here for the inside scoop.
Need further reason for hope? A recent First Five Years Fund survey finds Americans across the country stand firmly united in their support for public investments in quality birth to five educational programs. In this national online poll among 1,000 adults, FFYF found that 67 percent of Americans favor public funding for early childhood education programs, including well-trained educators, small class sizes and rich learning environments.
Check out our official statement on this morning’s activities, consider issuing your own, and let’s continue to show our support as early learning takes the center stage once again.