Every child deserves quality education

One school year has ended, and parents of young children are going to preschool graduations and preparing for entry into kindergarten. Iowa has moved forward, helping our children with high-quality child care, Early Head Start and Head Start, Shared Visions, and state voluntary preschool programs. But too many children still lack the school readiness and positive development experiences that serve them well, not only for success in elementary school, but also success in the workplace, home and community.

There are nearly 2,000 days from a child's birth to when he/she enters kindergarten. The return on the public investment is compelling. For every dollar spent on high-quality preschool programs, Iowa taxpayers will spend less on special education, juvenile crime and school dropouts.

President Obama has called for a state-federal partnership to accelerate and expand the work we've done for Iowa's children. All of them deserve the opportunity, and Iowa deserves a smart investment of our public resources. Let's urge Congress not to let another year go by without all of Iowa's children accessing a quality early childhood education experience.

Barbara Merrill

Executive Director,

Iowa Association for the Education of Young Children