Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) is taking an important next step with the Strong Start for America’s Children Act by bringing the bill before the HELP Committee. Strong Start would enable expanded partnerships with states and communities to support the kind of quality early care and education programs that produce documented results.
We support the Strong Start for America’s Children Act because America needs to do more to make sure children get off on the right foot with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.
The Strong Start for America’s Children Act would establish an effective partnership between the federal government and states to equip states and communities to improve and expand high quality, full-day preschool programs for four year olds with the goal of increasing school readiness.
Federal action has overwhelming, bi-partisan support among voters. According to a bi-partisan poll conducted in 2013, 70 percent of Americans support a federal plan to help states and local communities provide better early childhood education programs to children from birth to age five—and want Congress to act now.
The Strong Start for America’s Children Act would be transformational policy for children and families, and provide short and long-term economic impact for communities. We call on Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle to work together to pass this important legislation. Young children – and our country’s economy – can’t wait. For more information about how you can support Strong Start in the coming week, check out our resources.