JEFFERSON CITY — With a strong dedication to ensure young children have access to quality early education programs, Sen. Joe Keaveny, D-St. Louis, will sponsor two pieces of legislation for the 2013 legislative session addressing state funding of pre-kindergarten programs. The legislation is designed to further develop early education programs throughout the state to help children learn valuable life skills and prepare for a successful academic career. In drafting the bills, Sen. Keaveny collaborated with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

More specifically, the first of Sen. Keaveny’s bills addressing pre-kindergarten education would allow a school district that operates an early education program to receive state funding through the Missouri foundation formula. The school district would need to provide full-day kindergarten and meet standards established by the State Board of Education. The senator’s other bill states that funding for pre-kindergarten programs would be aimed toward the programs that educate students between the ages of 3 and 5 who are eligible for free and reduced-price lunches.

Senator Keaveny notes that early childhood education generates a positive impact on Missouri’s economy, as pre-kindergarten education helps children succeed later in life. An analysis conducted by economists at the Minneapolis Federal Reserve found that children who participate in pre-kindergarten education are less likely to be involved in crime later in life and are more likely to earn higher wages and own their own home. The same study indicated the return on investment for early childhood education to yield more than $8 for every $1 invested in such programs. Studies also show this education results in fewer repetitive years in classrooms, which is a costly expense to respective states.

“In 2011, the DESE cited 24,396 K-12 students who were held back in Missouri,” Sen. Keaveny said. “At an estimated state support of approximately $3,540 per student, Missouri spent more than $86.3 million for students to repeat grades. Not only is this a poor use of students’ time, but it’s an unacceptable use of our limited budgetary resources. Early education programs give children the opportunities they need to develop the vital social and cognitive skills that are essential to the rest of their educational career.”

Senator Keaveny adds that the positive economic impact of early childhood education is most apparent when children who are disadvantaged attend the programs. According to various studies, including the Perry Preschool Project, programs focused on at-risk families have some of the highest return on investments; such returns can range from $3 to $9 for every dollar invested.
Children from low-income families are also the most likely to fall through the cracks. The National Center for Children in Poverty notes a study indicating that as early as 24 months of age, children in low-income families have been found to show delays in cognitive and behavioral development compared to their peers in higher-income families.

Throughout his legislative career, Sen. Keaveny has fought for the well-being of Missouri students, sponsoring a measure (SB 643) for the 2012 legislative session to ensure 5-year-old children are enrolled in school and are not truant.

To follow the progress of Sen. Keaveny’s sponsored legislation, please visit his Missouri Senate website at www.senate.mo.gov/keaveny.