Recent data on pre-K education in Pennsylvania revealed much work remains to improve investments in pre-K education in the state.
In Pennsylvania, about 54% of eligible 3- and 4-year-olds, or about 78,000 kids, do not have access to pre-K. The Pre-K for PA campaign is asking lawmakers to boost funding in the fiscal budget as the June 30 deadline approaches.
Kari King, president and CEO of Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children, said they support Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed $33 million increase for pre-K, which would strengthen the sector and expand access to high-quality programs.
“The funds would aim to increase rates for providers,” King explained. “Pre-K is an area where, like many other sectors, there’s a workforce shortage. And so the funds in the state budget will really go to those programs and an effort to make sure that they’re sustainable, and they have their doors open to serve kids with high-quality pre-K.”