STATEMENT BY EDUCATION SECRETARY DUNCAN ON PROPOSAL TO EXPAND ACCESS TO HIGH-QUALITY EARLY EDUCATION PROGRAMS

FROM:  U.S. EDUCATION DEPARTMENT 
Statement by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan on Bipartisan Proposal to Expand Access to High-Quality Early Education Programs

NOVEMBER 13, 2013

"The early learning bill introduced today reflects a growing, bipartisan understanding that to ensure our nation’s children have the educational and economic opportunities they deserve, we must act early. It’s long been clear that high-quality early learning opportunities produce lasting benefits, including higher high school graduation rates and lower incarceration rates. Now, a broad coalition is calling for action on President Obama’s plan to make quality preschool available to every 4-year-old in America, drawing on the example of leading states. Earlier today, Democrats and Republicans, including Sen. Harkin, Rep. Miller, and Rep. Hanna, stood with leaders from law enforcement, business, the military and early childhood education advocates to call for action—and to invite others to join this vital effort. This is the most important single step we can take for the future of our young people. Let’s join together to make it happen." – Secretary Arne Duncan