I am writing this petition both as a mother and an educator. The traditional PreK programs in South Carolina schools have brought innumerable benefits to our children. These programs offer a nurturing learning environment and act as a crucial tool in helping the children develop cognitively, socially, and emotionally. By preserving preK education in every school, we are investing in our future.

Having seen the enormous benefits firsthand, I am deeply concerned about any suggestion of their discontinuation. Research consistently shows that children who attend preK enter kindergarten with better pre-reading skills, richer vocabularies, and stronger basic math skills than those who do not. In fact, according to a 2015 Stanford University study, children who attended preK gained an additional seven months of learning in literacy and math during kindergarten compared to their peers who did not have the same access.

Unfortunately, many rural areas within the state are highly affected by poverty.  With the elimination of traditional preK programs, single parents and poverty-stricken families will be forced to rely on "just anyone" out of desperation.  This will only put preschool-age children at a further disadvantage.

Without preK programs, our children will start their academic journey unequipped and disadvantaged. For the sake of our children, the vitality of South Carolina's educational system, and the state's future workforce, these programs must be maintained. Every child in South Carolina deserves the opportunity to thrive and succeed.  

Please, sign this petition and raise your voice for the preservation of traditional preK programs in South Carolina schools.