Montana Senator Jon Tester co-sponsors early childhood education bill

Senator: ‘Early learning is the best investment we can make to prepare our children’

Senator Jon Tester is backing legislation to increase young Montanans’ access to high-quality, early childhood education.

Tester is supporting The Strong Start for America’s Children Act, which increases investments in initiatives that provide high-quality pre-school to low- and moderate-income families. The bill will improve early childhood education by increasing the quality of infant and toddler care and supporting the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting program.

"Early learning is the best investment we can make to prepare our children for future success," said Tester, a former teacher. "Giving kids an early boost will pay big dividends down the road for Montana. By focusing on early childhood education and improving school readiness, we are investing in Montana’s future."

Studies show that high-quality pre-school leads to a wide range of short- and long-term benefits, including better educational outcomes, stronger job earnings, and lower levels of crime and delinquency.

Tester recently met with a number of Montana law enforcement officers to discuss the positive results early childhood education programs have for at-risk families and children, particularly for reducing crime and increasing school preparedness.

Tester’s The Strong Start for America’s Children Act, which was introduced by Iowa Senator Tom Harkin, is supported by over fifty national early childhood education, family and community organizations.

Tester’s bill is available online HERE. http://www.scribd.com/doc/187002677/Tester-s-Strong-Start-for-America-s-Children-Act