Essential lessons

Future workforce

Regarding “Quality pre-K” (Page A14, May 2), the editorial calls for greater state investment in early education. As CEO of Pre-K 4 SA, San Antonio’s award-winning early learning initiative, I applaud this call.

While Texas has a solid ratio of 4-year-olds attending preschool, our state ranks near the bottom in terms of quality. In fact, Texas meets only 4 of 10 benchmarks of preschool quality, lagging behind 47 other states. Our failure to invest in high-quality early learning means our state is losing out socially and financially. Economists calculate that high-quality preschool generates a 7-10 percent return on investment through better health and education outcomes and a stronger workforce.

No other educational intervention provides that kind of return on investment. It is why San Antonio voted to dedicate one-eighth-cent in local sales tax to create Pre-K 4 SA. Since its inception in 2012, Pre-K 4 SA has emerged as the gold standard model of early childhood education in Texas and across the nation.

Pre-K 4 SA aims to change the educational and workforce trajectory of San Antonio within one generation through high-quality pre-kindergarten education. We do this through a comprehensive approach that includes four model education centers offering full-day programming to 2,000 students annually. We provide free, intensive, job-embedded professional development for San Antonio early childhood educators and offer $4.2 million in annual grant awards to public and charter schools, private and parochial schools, and licensed child development centers. San Antonio is building the foundation for long-term dividends for students, educators and the community. Texas could do the same with a significant and sustained investment in early education.

Sarah Baray, CEO of Pre-K 4 SA