§ 16-87-2. Findings.
(a) The general assembly hereby finds that attending high quality early childhood education
programs help children develop important social and cognitive skills and knowledge
that prepares children to succeed in school. Research has shown long-lasting benefits
for children who participate in very high quality, educationally focused early childhood
programs. The benefits to children can also generate substantial government cost savings,
including reduced need for special education services, reduced need for cash assistance
and other public benefits, and reduced rates of incarceration.
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§ 16-87-2. Findings.
(a) The general assembly hereby finds that attending high quality early childhood education
programs help children develop important social and cognitive skills and knowledge
that prepares children to succeed in school. Research has shown long-lasting benefits
for children who participate in very high quality, educationally focused early childhood
programs. The benefits to children can also generate substantial government cost savings,
including reduced need for special education services, reduced need for cash assistance
and other public benefits, and reduced rates of incarceration.
(b) The general assembly finds that there are substantial numbers of children in Rhode
Island entering kindergarten who are not adequately prepared to succeed in school.
Early school failure may ultimately contribute to such children dropping out of school
at an early age, failing to achieve their full potential, becoming dependent upon
public assistance, or becoming involved in criminal activities.
(c) Furthermore, the general assembly finds that there is an existing infrastructure of
early childhood programs in Rhode Island serving preschool age children in full-day
and half-day programs that is supported through state and federal investments in child
care, Head Start and special education. It is the goal of the general assembly to
support a system of publicly-funded, high quality prekindergarten education programs
that are operated through a diverse delivery network, including child care, Head Start
and public school districts.
(d) By enacting this law, the general assembly acknowledges the need to adequately prepare
all children to succeed in school by providing access to publicly-funded high quality
prekindergarten education programs.