As Massachusetts leaders get set to work out the state budget, I’m hoping they can invest in early childhood education. We know that early education and preschool helps children do better in school and in life, but since 2001 we’ve seen a 50 percent decrease in the state’s commitment to early learning when factoring in inflation. These cuts have led to long waitlists for public early education programs and undermine quality. Nearly one in five early-education providers has shut its doors over the last five years. Due to underfunding, staff turnover is at or above 30 percent.
Massachusetts has long been a leader on education, but when it comes to early education we’re falling behind. It’s time for our state leaders to invest in early education and make sure that every child gets the same strong start.
Nathan Proctor
state director
Massachusetts Fair Share