Early childhood education funding advanced

Senators gave first-round approval April 5 to a bill that would allocate funds to support early childhood education grant programs.

LB495, introduced by Cedar Rapids Sen. Kate Sullivan, would direct funds from the Education Innovation Fund to the early childhood education grant program administered by the state Department of Education. Scheduled distributions include $1.75 million in fiscal year 2013-14, $1.85 million in FY2014-15 and $1.95 million in FY2015-16.

Sullivan said investments in early childhood education result in a high return on investment.

“The research tells us it’s important to invest in early childhood education,” she said. “We have 152 school districts that have early childhood programs. They recognize the importance and it’s essential we keep the ball rolling.”

An additional $1 million from the Education Innovation Fund would be directed to the Early Childhood Endowment Cash Fund annually for the next three fiscal years for grants to public school programs that serve at-risk children from birth to age three.

The bill would change a funding source for programs currently supported by the Education Innovation Fund. General fund dollars would be used to fund:
• an integrated student information system;
• the Center for Student Leadership and Extending Learning Act;
• multicultural education; and
• employment costs for individuals investigating and prosecuting alleged teacher and administrator certificate violations.

Kearney Sen. Galen Hadley supported the bill, saying it represents a small price to pay for ensuring the success and stability of children.

“A lot of these children are behind from the day they’re born and spend their entire life struggling to get ahead,” Hadley said. “The wealth of the parents should never be used to determine the success of the child.”

Lincoln Sen. Bill Avery also supported the bill. He said research on the positive effects of early childhood education has advanced exponentially in just a few years.

“Research shows that if kids have a high quality early education experience before age five, it yields long term benefits,” he said. “They are more likely to graduate high school, own a home and earn as much as $2,000 more per month as adults.”

Following adoption of two technical amendments, senators advanced the bill to select file on a 33-0 vote.