Title
Resolution creating a task force to oversee the creation of an early childhood implementation plan to improve the quality of and expanding affordable access to Pre-Kindergarten in the City of Pittsburgh.
Body
Whereas, a child's brain development is most significant from birth to age 3, and by age 5, a child's brain is already 90% developed; and
Whereas, the traditional school model, starting at Kindergarten, does not engage children until the age of 5, missing the opportunity to shape their capacity to learn over time; and
Whereas, high quality Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) and child care can help address this gap, but there is a shortage of high quality slots in Pittsburgh, and they are not affordable for many families; and
Whereas, at-risk children who do not receive high quality early childhood education are 25% more likely to drop out of school, 50% more likely to be placed in special education programs, 60% less likely to attend college, and 70% more likely to be arrested for a violent crime; and
Whereas, children with differing abilities who attend high quality early childhood education are provided early intervention services that have positive impacts on their social and cognitive development. Inclusion supports the right of all children, regardless of abilities, to participate actively in natural settings within their communities.
Whereas, investing in early childhood programs is more cost effective than addressing these issues later in life; and
Whereas, only 7.5% of the child care slots in Pennsylvania for children ages birth through 4 are considered high quality; and
Whereas, families of children in high quality care and education programs experience more stable employment and higher earnings; and
Whereas, in Pennsylvania, every $1 invested in child care results in $2.17 circulating in the economy as a result of increased employment, consumer spending, and tax revenue.
Whereas, in Pittsburgh, over the next ten years there will be ...
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