JEFFERSON CITY — Senator Joe Keaveny, D-St. Louis, would like to announce an assembly to be held in the first floor Capitol Rotunda tomorrow (3-5) at 12:30 p.m., in support of expanding access to early education programs in the state of Missouri. The senator, along with various business leaders throughout the state, will speak at the event and advocate for the well-being of Missouri children and the economy.

During the assembly, the Missouri Coordinating Board for Early Childhood will release a report that demonstrates the economic benefits of investing in early childhood education. The presentation will show how investments in early care and education provide a boost to local businesses in Missouri and play an important role in helping the state’s economic recovery.

“If our children have the opportunity to a quality education at an early age, then they are more likely to retain the valuable skills they acquire in the classroom and project their abilities into strengthening our state’s job market,” Sen. Keaveny said. “Children are eager to absorb knowledge, and we should provide them every opportunity to learn and grow.”

Senator Keaveny also notes the following benefits of early education programs:

• Research demonstrates that quality, early education programs are, ultimately, good for business, because the state’s workforce is better prepared for their jobs.
• Early childhood education programs identify children with special needs earlier. As a result of earlier interventions, the state saves money by providing children with appropriate programs and services.
• More children in early educational programs result in more teachers identifying cases of abuse, thus providing those children with needed intervention and help.
• By investing in early education programs, Missouri would spend less money retaining students in school.
• Children who participate in early childhood education programs are less likely to be involved in crime later in life.
• The return on investment for early education programs span between $7 and $12.

For the 2013 legislative session, Sen. Keaveny is sponsoring two bills related to expanding access to early education programs. Senate Bill 132 would allow school districts to receive state aid for children ages 3 to 5 who participate in a district-operated early education program. Senate Bill 133 would allow a school district that operates an early education program to receive state funding through the foundation formula for students between the ages of 3 and 5 who are eligible for free and reduced lunch.

Both measures received a hearing in the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday, Feb. 27. Witnesses who testified in support of SB 133 included representatives from the Children's Education Council of Missouri, Missouri State Teachers Association, Child Care Aware of Missouri, and Missouri School Board Association.

For more information about SB 132 and SB 133, please visit the Missouri Senate website at www.senate.mo.gov.