Advocates push for kindergarten readiness at forum
Georgia advocates for improving children’s learning before they enter kindergarten made their case about the educational and economic benefits of early childhood education at a forum Tuesday morning.
Dana Rickman, the policy and research director of the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education, cited a study that found the child care industry in Georgia created more than 61,000 jobs and generated about $4.1 billion in annual revenues.
“That’s B,” Rickman said of the $4.1 billion. “Oh boy, that’s a lot of money.”
The forum was at the East Lake YMCA, which partners with Drew Charter School, on early childhood education programs. The forum was organized by the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education.
Federal education officials announced in December 2013 that Georgia will receive $51.7 million over a four-year period to increase kindergarten readiness. Education activists often cite data that children enrolled in such programs are better prepared academically when they enter kindergarten.
About the Author
Eric Stirgus joined The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2001. He currently writes about higher education and has assisted in the newsroom’s COVID-19 vaccine coverage. Born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., Eric is active in the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists and the Education Writers Association and enjoys mentoring aspiring journalists.
