Week of 6/14: Universal Pre-K

Written By Robert Bahnsen

Friends,

Delaware’s public schools are struggling, but good things are happening. Starting teacher pay was increased last year. Sen. Laura Sturgeon got the excellent hybrid model passed in the Senate, and secured its funding. Metrics have improved, but much work remains.

Here’s what we’re up against:

  • More than 60% of our 3rd graders still do not meet reading standards.

  • More than 80% of our 11th graders still do not meet math standards.

  • 20% of our children are chronically absent from school.

  • 11% of our students do not graduate high school on time.

  • 22% of our children spend 4 or more hours per day in front of a screen. Not coincidentally, 26% suffer from a mental health or behavioral condition.

  • Rising income inequality means that parents work longer hours, with less time available to provide home-based education. Also not coincidentally, 38% of our young children do not meet school readiness standards.


Today, I’m making the case that Delaware needs Universal Pre-K. Research shows the early and long-lasting benefit for our children. It would provide necessary child care for our working families. It also just makes good business sense.

In 2022, Georgetown University published a landmark study on the effects of Universal Pre-K in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They saw increases across the board in academic achievement, social and emotional development, and college enrollment. An economist estimated that the city got $2.65 back for every $1 spent. The program saved money.

Some critics initially suggested that the effects of early childhood education “fade out” over time. New data argues this is not the case. The Tulsa preschool kids, now young adults, continue to perform better than their peers.

Universal Pre-K improves the health of our children and communities. Children who are preschooled demonstrate a 52% reduction in substantiated reports of child abuse and neglect. They have lower rates of violent crime, incarceration, and mental health concerns later in life. One study even showed that these kids are more likely to vote!

It’s clear that Universal Pre-K sets kids up for a brighter future. Now let’s talk business.

Child care is a massive expense for our families. In New Castle County, expect to pay more than $1600 per month for two children. Half of Delaware’s families go into debt to pay for child care. 40% of families say that the state is becoming unlivable due to child care challenges, and 25% have considered leaving Delaware. A fifth of our families skip meals to get by. Universal Pre-K would ease this burden considerably for our working families.

For Delaware to maintain and attract new industry, we must provide the infrastructure necessary for a stable and predictable workforce. Child care without that infrastructure is exceptionally destabilizing and unpredictable. One-third of employers note declines in productivity, increased staff turnover, and lost hours due to child care. Many parents report turning down a job or promotion due to the demands of child care. For many, it simply costs more to work. Universal Pre-K solves these issues.

We should consider early childhood care and education a public good and essential infrastructure. It improves school performance. It supports families and Delaware industry, increasing available jobs and widening our tax base. It’s an expense, no doubt, but one with a positive return on investment that sets Delaware up for a brighter future.

And in a small state like ours, we have everything we need to do this right and be a model for the rest of the nation.

Our children need more than small, incremental measures. Let’s dream big and be bold.

Let’s fight together for Universal Pre-K.

Until next time,
Dr. Rob Bahnsen
Candidate for State Representative, District 12

RESOURCES

Robert Bahnsen
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Week of 6/1: Pride Month