JEFFERSON CITY — Measures sponsored by Sen. Joe Keaveny, D-St. Louis, to encourage the expansion of early childhood education programs are slated for a hearing in the Education Committee on Wednesday, Feb. 20, at 3:00 p.m. Senator Keaveny is dedicated to promoting the academic and economic benefits of early education programs, and he collaborated with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) in drafting the bills.

These measures address state funding for early childhood education programs. Senate Bill 132 would allow a school district that operates a pre-kindergarten program to receive state funding through the state’s school foundation formula for students between 3 and 5 years of age. Senator Keaveny’s SB 133 is similar, but targets children who are eligible to receive free and reduced-priced lunch.

“By learning good character qualities and essential life skills at a young age and when their minds and identities are still developing, children are more likely to retain those learned skills and grow up to be productive members of our society and economy,” Sen. Keaveny said. “Children are eager to learn and soak up all the knowledge they can, and as parents and educators, we should provide our kids with all the opportunities available to grow and thrive.”

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) highlights an analysis that demonstrates the benefits of early education programs, particularly for children from low-income families. The analysis focused on the Child-Parent Centers (CPC) program, part of the Chicago Public Schools system, which was founded to serve families in high-poverty neighborhoods. Among other services, the program educates children in pre-K to third grade on subjects such as reading and math. The study followed children who participated in the CPC program to age 24 and found that those individuals were more likely to go to college, find a full-time job, and have health insurance. In addition, they were less likely to suffer from depression or serve time in prison. It’s estimated that every dollar spent on the program generates $4 to $11 of benefits to the participants and society at large.

In addition, studies indicate that by investing funds into early education, children will be less likely to repeat grades during their educational career. In 2011, the DESE cited more than 24,000 K-12 students who were held back in Missouri. At an estimated state support of approximately $3,540 per student, Missouri spent more than $86.3 million for students to repeat grades.

“We need to bring forth action that will promote a strong and well-rounded education for our children, and, in turn, we will see a boost in our state’s economy and job market,” Sen. Keaveny said. “Everyone who has children in his or her life wants nothing more than to see them happy and successful, and my legislation will help ensure our young ones have the chance of a prosperous life.”

For more about the benefits of early education programs and the rate that funding has increased for these programs across the nation, please reference the interactive graphic in this article, published by the Columbia Missourian. The data illustrates how early education programs impact issues such as teen pregnancy, juvenile arrests, and high school dropout rates.

To follow the progress of SB 132 and SB 133, visit the Missouri Senate website at www.senate.mo.gov.