Report shows value of pre-K to NM

THE (JULY 21) article “NM finds lasting gains in first pre-K cohort” identified the class of 2020 graduates that participated in the first New Mexico pre-K cohort, nearly 15 years ago, (as having) an 80% graduation rate, which is 6% higher than those who didn’t participate in the program.

As an early childhood professional and advocate with Save the Children Action Network, I was eager to read the article because I’ve personally seen many children over the years benefit from pre-K. Now, the community has more than stories shared by early childhood professionals about the benefits of N.M. pre-K. The data highlighted in the article supports what many of us already know: Pre-K matters. Early childhood education and care matters.

Graduation rates and academic gains were especially profound for English-language learners and children from low-income families. This is especially important considering that New Mexico is under court order from the Yazzie-Martinez lawsuit to address inequities in our public education system. As the state takes steps to better support students with disabilities, those from low-income families, Native American students and English-language learners, early childhood education is clearly an important part of the solution.

From the day children and their families become part of a high-quality early childhood program, they have the opportunity to learn and grow while receiving resources and a supportive community that many children and families don’t have access to elsewhere.

The successes begin that day, and now we have evidence from the Legislative Finance Committee documenting how the strong foundation supports these “little kids” throughout their educational journeys into adulthood. In order to ensure the remarkable opportunities are available to New Mexico’s young children for years to come, it’s vital that elected officials continue to invest in their youngest constituents now and always.

JACQUELYN L. CHASTEEN Rio Rancho