The Rhode Island Senate unveiled a proposal Tuesday to establish universal pre-K in the state over the next five years and to strengthen other elements of early childhood education.
During a Statehouse news conference, Senate President Dominick Ruggerio called this legislative package one of the most important things being taken up this session. He called creating universal pre-K for all 3- and 4-year-olds by June 2028 an investment in the state’s future.
“Research has repeatedly demonstrated the substantial value that pre-K programs provide,” Ruggerio said. “They help children develop cognitive, social, intellectual and emotional skills that will carry them through the rest of their life. And children who attend preschool are more likely to have success in K-through-12.”
Extending universal pre-K would cost an estimated $120 million a year, and it’s unclear if one funding source — President Biden’s Build Back Better initiative — will move forward.
Even without that, Senate spokesman Greg Pare said, it’s time to redirect state resources for pre-K, expanded child care assistance, and a new state office of Early Childhood Development and Learning.
State Sen. Hanna Gallo (D-Cranston) called universal pre-K a logical move after Rhode Island previously created universal kindergarten.
“It’s a natural step towards providing our children with an educational system that truly prepares them for the 21st century,” she said.
Ian Donnis can be reached at idonnis@ripr.org
