Casey Advocated for Program and Introduced Legislation to Improve Access to Early Education and Child Care
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) today expressed support for Pennsylvania’s intent to apply for federal grants to support child care and early learning programs. Senator Casey pushed for the creation of the competitive grant program to strengthen early learning in Pennsylvania and across the country.
“High-quality early education and child care boosts the nation’s productivity, prosperity and competitiveness by giving our children the best shot at success and ensuring a stronger workforce,” said Senator Casey. “Especially at a time when school districts across the Commonwealth are still feeling the impact of the recession, it is imperative to help them maintain and improve early learning opportunities for children.”
Pennsylvania has expressed its intent to apply for funds from the Race to the Top – Early Learning Challenge program, a $500 million grant program jointly administered by the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services (HHS). In May, Senator Casey sent a letter to the Department of Education and HHS encouraging them to put substantial money toward a competitive early learning grant program prioritizing early childhood education and child care.
Senator Casey has introduced legislation to establish an Early Learning Challenge Fund. The Supporting State Systems of Early Learning Act (S.470) would establish a fund to help states build and strengthen systems of early learning so that more low-income children have access to high-quality early learning and development opportunities that prepare them for success in school and beyond.
Senator Casey has also introduced the Prepare All Kids Act (S.1156) to assist states in providing at least one year of high quality pre-kindergarten to children, as well as the Starting Early, Starting Right Act (S.1155), which would reverse chronic underfunding of child care, improve the quality and increase the availability of child care to children in low-income and working class families.
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