§ 16-87-2 - Findings. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 16-87-2

   § 16-87-2  Findings. – (a) The general assembly hereby finds that attending high quality earlychildhood education programs help children develop important social andcognitive skills and knowledge that prepares children to succeed in school.Research has shown long-lasting benefits for children who participate in veryhigh quality, educationally focused early childhood programs. The benefits tochildren can also generate substantial government cost savings, includingreduced need for special education services, reduced need for cash assistanceand other public benefits, and reduced rates of incarceration.

   (b) The general assembly finds that there are substantialnumbers of children in Rhode Island entering kindergarten who are notadequately prepared to succeed in school. Early school failure may ultimatelycontribute to such children dropping out of school at an early age, failing toachieve their full potential, becoming dependent upon public assistance, orbecoming involved in criminal activities.

   (c) Furthermore, the general assembly finds that there is anexisting infrastructure of early childhood programs in Rhode Island servingpreschool age children in full-day and half-day programs that is supportedthrough state and federal investments in child care, Head Start and specialeducation. It is the goal of the general assembly to support a system ofpublicly-funded, high quality prekindergarten education programs that areoperated through a diverse delivery network, including child care, Head Startand public school districts.

   (d) By enacting this law, the general assembly acknowledgesthe need to adequately prepare all children to succeed in school by providingaccess to publicly-funded high quality prekindergarten education programs.