Quick update: 

Thank you for all the support here!  Our children deserve better! 

keep sharing the petition with friends, family, other residents, teachers, businesses etc. 

One thing that is incredibly important for residents to understand is that if Smart Start is eliminated, it is not as simple as bringing it back next year if people change their minds.

The state funding attached to these programs is not guaranteed to be immediately restored. Grant opportunities can take years to reapply for, secure, and implement. Once a program is dismantled, the loss can extend far beyond a single budget cycle.

It's also worth noting that East Hampton's pre-K programs are NAEYC-accredited, a designation that reflects a high standard of quality in early childhood education. That accreditation represents years of work, oversight, and commitment to providing children with the best possible start.

This is why many parents are concerned. The discussion shouldn't just be about what is saved this year. It should also be about what could be lost for years to come.

When evaluating the future of Smart Start, we need to ask ourselves whether sacrificing a proven, high-quality early childhood program is worth risking state funding, community partnerships, and educational opportunities that may not be easily recovered.

Some decisions can be reversed next year. This may not be one of them.