I am actively engaged in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) field, and the current funding gap is critically impacting our potential for meaningful growth. A high-quality ECE is essential for the emotional, social, and cognitive growth of young learners. Every child deserves an excellent start in life, yet our ECE programs find it hard to provide this due to insufficient funding.

According to the Economic Policy Institute, only 60% of 3- to 5-year-olds are enrolled in pre-school nationwide (EPI, 2020). Raising these numbers not only benefits the children but also our country's economy. The Council of Economic Advisors reports that every dollar invested in high-quality ECE programs can return up to $8.60 to society (CEA, 2014).

ECE is more than just a learning center; it’s a stepping-stone that shapes our children’s futures. It lays a firm foundation for the essential cognitive, social, and emotional skills needed in adulthood. Understandably, the financial burdens and sacrifices our programs make daily prevent the execution of a high-quality curriculum.

So, let's invest in our children and our future. Let's rally behind our ECE programs and demand an increase in funding from our policymakers. Your signature can contribute towards a progressive change and ensure that every child begins their learning journey with the best opportunities. Sign this petition to bolster the funding for our Early Childhood Education programs.