Sec. 2. Findings

247 words·~1 min read·/bill/114/hr/4042/ih/section-2

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

Congress makes the following findings: The United States ranks 25th in early learning enrollment with fewer than 3 out of 10 four-year-olds enrolled in high-quality prekindergarten programs. Studies show that children with access to high-quality prekindergarten programs are less likely to repeat a grade or drop out of high school, and more likely to succeed in their careers. Every public dollar spent on high-quality prekindergarten programs returns $7 through a reduced need for spending on other services such as remedial education, grade repetition, and special education.

Children who attended prekindergarten are less likely to develop drug problems, commit a felony, and go to prison, and are half as likely to be arrested. Children who attended prekindergarten usually have higher grade point averages and are more likely to attend a four-year college. About 40 percent of school districts do not offer prekindergarten programs. Over half of school districts that have pre-kindergarten programs offer only part-day programs. Texas missed out on up to $118.48 million in Federal funding to expand prekindergarten programs.

Reports showed that in 2011 the Texas legislature cut approximately $5.4 billion in education funding and eliminated the $200 million in grants it offered to schools to expand prekindergarten programs from half-day to full-day. In response to the State of Texas’ education funding cuts, certain local governments took it upon themselves to fund full-day prekindergarten programs. For these reasons, certain localities, including local governments and local educational agencies would benefit from direct application prekindergarten Federal program funding.