Committing to kids
I applaud Gov. Bev Perdue’s decision to ensure that more of North Carolina’s most vulnerable children are prepared for kindergarten (Oct. 18 news story), which further upholds Judge Manning’s order mandating the state provide NC-PreK to any eligible at-risk 4-year-old who applies.
Her commitment of an additional $20 million to expand the NC-PreK program by 6,300 slots is an investment not only in our young children, but also in our state’s future. Children’s experiences during their first five years literally shape the architecture of their growing brains, laying the groundwork for their future health and development. Ensuring that our young children have high-quality early learning opportunities prepares them for later success in school, in their careers and in life.
North Carolina has long been a leader in high-quality early education, but that mantle has been slipping recently. Perdue’s announcement is welcome news after several years of legislative cuts to early education.
On Nov. 6, we will choose our local, state and national leaders. As parents, mentors, teachers and advocates for young children, we should choose candidates who plan to follow the governor’s lead by investing still more in early learning opportunities.
Deborah C. Bryan
President and CEO, Action for Children North Carolina
Raleigh