Age 3 to Grade 3 model gets attention

The StarTribune published an editorial this week highlighting Age 3 to Grade 3 as an early childhood education model. Age 3 to Grade 3 (sometimes called PreK-3) is comprised of at least three parts: high quality early care and education, all day kindergarten, and curriculum and standards alignment through third grade with parent involvement throughout. Ideally, this would take place in one location and the staff would have consistent contact with the children for all 6 years.

Research shows that the PreK-3 approach can close the student achievement gap, reduce the need for special education services and increase the likelihood of a future educated and competitive workforce. An article by Bill Graves, PK-3: What is it and How Do We Know it Works? gives more detail about the PreK-3 approach.

Ready 4 K has been promoting PreK-3 as an innovation in early education and for closing the achievement gap. In the 2007 legislative session Ready 4 K proposed piloting PreK-3 models as part of a larger package for improving linkages between early childhood and K-12 education. See a summary of the proposed bill. Funding for these pilots was eliminated in last minute budget negotiations at the end of legislative session. Ready 4 K will again raise PreK-3 as a positive step toward our goal of ensuring kids in Minnesota are ready for kindergarten and ready for life.

Early Childhood gaining momentum in Congress

While we here in Minnesota have been working hard to promote policies in our state legislature, early childhood issues are getting attention on the federal level. Sen. Clinton (NY) announced a pre-kindergarten proposal last month as part of her presidential campaign. This proposal would give $10 billion to give every 4-year old access to a pre-kindergarten experience. Currently, Sen. Clinton is drafting a bill to introduce later this year based on her proposal.

Also, Sen. Casey (PA) has introduced a bill, S. 1374, known as the "Prepare All Kids Act of 2007". From the bill summary, this act will assist states in making voluntary high quality full-day pre-kindergarten programs available and economically affordable for the families of all children for at least 1 year preceding kindergarten. The bill includes funds for infant and toddler programs, extended day and extended year programs, as well as eligibility for community-based programs such as Head Start and child care. Read Sen. Casey's remarks for more detail.

After you'd had a chance to read the bill, I'd love to read your comments. What do you think about the idea? How could it work in Minnesota?