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NEA Issue Explainer

Early Childhood Education

Universal pre-K and Kindergarten give children the foundation they need for a lifetime of learning and success.
Kindergarten students children surrond teacher reading Photo by Yan Krukov from Pexels
Published: December 2, 2021
This issue explainer originally appeared on NEA.org

Providing a high-quality education for children before they turn five yields significant medium- and long-term benefits for students.

Children in early childhood education programs are:

  • Less likely to repeat a grade
  • Less likely to be identified as having special needs
  • More prepared academically for later grades
  • More likely to graduate from high school
  • Higher earners in the workforce

Access to effective, diverse programs breaks down structural barriers that have prevented all children–particularly children of color and children from disadvantaged families–from achieving their full potential.

Use Your Educator Voice.

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NEA President Becky Pringle stands with a bullhorn at a rally to support students.

Speak Up For Students and Public Schools

When we act together and lift our voices together in unison, we can improve the lives of children.
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The Union of Vermont Educators

The Vermont-National Education Association is the union of Vermont educators, 13,000 professionals who teach the state's children every day. As the state's largest union, Vermont-NEA is proud to represent the people who make a difference in the lives of students in classrooms across Vermont.