July 27, 2007

West Virginia has been recognized nationally for its attention to early childhood education. Five years ago, the West Virginia Legislature enacted legislation to provide public education for some of our very youngest students, the 4-year-olds.

Research has shown time and again that high quality preschool improves high school graduation and college attendance rates, employment and earnings. The state Department of Education also notes that preschool helps combat unhealthy behaviors such as smoking or drug use and encourages healthful eating habits.

It even affects the local economy. A high quality preschool program returns to the public up to $17 for every $1 invested, notes the National Institute for Early Education Research. And the state budget gets returns too. According to Marshall University research, the state saves $5.20 for every $1 it spends on quality early childhood development.

West Virginia is ranked sixth in providing access to state-funded early childhood education for 4-year-olds and is ranked 10^th in the amount of money it spends per child ($4,529).

Legislation adopted in 2002 requires that universal preschool be made available to all of the state’s 4-year-olds by the 2012-2013 school year. Half of the pre-kindergarten classes in each county can be located in community or day care centers, including Head Start classes, in collaboration with each county’s school system.

The National Institute for Early Education Research recently issued its 2006 State of Preschool report and concludes that West Virginia meets seven of 10 benchmarks for quality preschool, including:

* offering comprehensive learning standards

* requiring specialized teacher training

* providing 15 hours of teacher in-service

* a maximum class size of 20

* a staff-child ratio of 1:10

* screening referrals for vision, hearing, health, dental and support services

* site visits and other monitoring

West Virginia requires pre-kindergarten instructors to be licensed teachers with BA degrees and certification in early childhood education, although those with an associate’s degree can work on permit.

Counties must submit an annual plan to the state Department of Education to outline how they will expand access, and state officials work with the counties to find adequate classrooms that meet state standards. While this can be an expensive proposition, state funding for the programs is being supplemented with federal Head Start, Title I and other grant money.

Early education is so important to a comprehensive education system. The brain develops more in the first five years of life than any other time. I’m glad our state is embracing the chance to make the most of those years.

I welcome and appreciate your input on these or any other legislative issues. Write to House Majority Leader Joe DeLong, Building 1, Room 228-M, 1900 Kanawha Blvd. E., Charleston, 25305, or joe@joedelong.com, or call 304-340-3220.