April 17, 2014
Standing with School officials, State Sen. Don Williams, Rep. Susan Johnson (D-Windham) and state legislative leaders announced Connecticut Smart Start, an historic 10-year, $200 million plan to provide 50,000 children with a high-quality early education experience and set Connecticut on a path toward universal pre-kindergarten.
“This is the opportunity breakthrough Connecticut’s children need,” said Senate President Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn). “Children who experience high quality pre-K arrive at school ready to learn, are less likely to need remedial or special education services and have higher rates of high school graduation. Connecticut Smart Start will help level the playing field for tens of thousands of children—it’s the best educational investment we can make.”
“The Town of Windham has one of the largest education gaps of any school district in the state,” said State Rep. Susan Johnson (D-Windham). “Providing early childhood access for 3 to 4 year olds help to fill that gap and better prepare students for future success. Earlier instruction builds a strong foundation for higher grade level work and helps keep them out of remedial programs and special education that saves town money.”
“I am encouraged to see the commitment by state leaders for early childhood education,” said Ken DiPietro, Superintendent of Plainfield Public Schools. “Given stresses on families, the changing economy and the expectations of student achievement, we need to provide schools with the means to give all children the tools they need to succeed in school.”
Connecticut Education Association President Sheila Cohen said, “This pre-K initiative is a tremendous step forward for Connecticut. Teachers’ rooms today are ringing with applause as educators celebrate this new recognition of the importance of high-quality, universal pre-K. The leadership shown by Senator Williams and his colleagues in spearheading this program will help thousands of children succeed in school and in life.”
Rep Johnson praised the long term effects of early childhood education. “Although Windham’s high school graduation rate is increasing, it is still below the state average. Research has found that high-quality pre-K programs can increase high school graduation rates by 10 to 20 percent. Those who start school early stay in school,” said Johnson.
Susan Johnson is serving her third term representing Connecticut’s 49th General Assembly District in Windham. She is the House Chair of the state legislature’s Public Health Committee and a member of the Education and Insurance & Real Estate Committees.