[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 81 (Friday, June 17, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1273]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1273]]
 COMMENDING THE ESTABLISHMENT IN COLLEGE POINT, NEW YORK, OF THE FIRST 
                   KINDERGARTEN IN THE UNITED STATES

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 13, 2005

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. 
Res. 47, commending the establishment of the first kindergarten in the 
United States, in College Point, N.Y.
  This legislation praises Conrad Poppenhusen, the Poppenhusen 
Institute, and the citizens of College Point, New York, for 
establishing the first early childhood education institution open to 
the public, in 1854.
  This resolution rightly expresses the sense of Congress that the 
government should recognize the importance of childhood education, and 
the social and academic enrichment provided to students through free 
and public kindergartens throughout the Nation.
  Studies commissioned by the Department of Education consistently 
demonstrate that children who attend kindergarten exhibit higher levels 
of mathematics and reading skills than those who do not.
  Children enrolled in kindergarten have consistently and more rapidly 
acquired skills necessary for success in an academic environment. 
Additionally, students enrolled in early childhood education are 
exposed at an early age to students of different racial, cultural, 
economic, and religious backgrounds, providing valuable learning 
experiences and aiding in the social development of our Nation's youth.
  Madam Speaker, let me conclude by again expressing my support for 
this legislation and encouraging my colleagues to support it. The time 
has come for our government to recognize and honor the establishment of 
our Nation's kindergartens, the very institutions that equip our 
children with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in school and 
life while also providing a diverse environment in which to learn and 
grow.

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