[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 132 (Monday, October 4, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2019]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E2019]]



                    THE EARLY EDUCATION ACT OF 1999

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ANNA G. ESHOO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 4, 1999

  Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce The Early Education 
Act of 1999. This bill would supplement state efforts in providing 
early education to children before they reach kindergarten. It 
authorizes $300 million a year so that high-quality, accessible early 
education will be available to all children.
  Early education is vitally important to the success of our children, 
both for their academic progress as well as achievements in life. The 
National Research Council reported that early education opportunities 
are necessary if children are going to develop the language and 
literacy skills necessary to learn to read. A New York Times article 
also reported that ``[students] with higher quality preschool classes 
did better in language and math skills'' than those who were not in 
these classes. Research suggests that a child's early years are 
critical in the development of the brain and that early brain 
development is an important component of educational and intellectual 
achievement.
  Evaluations of state efforts demonstrate the value of early 
education. Compared to children with similar backgrounds who have not 
had the benefit of early education, children who have are more likely 
to stay academically at or near their grade level and make normal 
academic progress throughout elementary school. These students are also 
less likely to be held back a grade or require special education 
services in elementary school. They are more likely to show greater 
learning retention, initiative, creativity, and social competency. They 
are more enthusiastic about school and more likely to have good 
attendance records.
  The Early Education Act of 1999 would provide additional means for 
states to expand their education systems to ensure that our children 
will have the utmost in opportunities. Studies estimate that for every 
dollar invested in quality early education, approximately seven dollars 
are saved in later costs. I can't think of many things that Congress 
does that are more important than the education and health of our 
children. I hope all my colleagues will agree with me on the importance 
of early education and support this bill.

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