March 13, 2014

GOV. MALLOY VISITS BLOOMFIELD'S OLDEST PRESCHOOL PROGRAM

Discusses His Plan to Move Connecticut to Statewide Access for Universal Pre-K

(BLOOMFIELD, CT) - Governor Dannel P. Malloy, joined by Executive Director of the Office of Early Childhood, Myra Jones-Taylor, Mayor Sydney Schulman, Superintendent James Thompson and other officials, today visited the First Congregational Church Nursery School in Bloomfield. The visit highlighted the important learning experiences provided for children in high-quality early learning settings.

Last month, Governor Malloy announced a plan for universal access to pre-kindergarten that calls for an additional 1,020 opportunities within the state's School Readiness for fiscal year 2015. The four-year plan will expand to serve a total of 4,010 additional children by 2019. Eligibility will be based on income and will use the existing eligibility requirements for the state's School Readiness program.

"Increasing access to pre-kindergarten will level the playing field so that every child can come to school ready to learn. We have a large achievement gap in Connecticut and we know that part of that achievement gap starts to grow at a very young age," said Governor Malloy. "Getting more kids ready for school will help us tackle this challenge."

"Under Governor Malloy's leadership we have seen historic investment in education from early learning through college," said Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman, "These first experiences in school must encourage our children to have confidence in their skills and their ability to succeed. Universal pre-K helps set this tone and inspires our young people as they move forward in school and their careers."

"When you step into a pre-kindergarten classroom, you may see children playing. Play is critical to a child's development," said Myra Jones-Taylor, Executive Director for the Office of Early Childhood. "Through play, they're learning how to play with others, follow directions, use their motor skills as well as learning the fundamentals of math, reading and other academics."

The First Congregational Church Nursery School opened in 1960 in response to the needs of the community and began participating in the state's School Readiness program in 1997. In 1982, the program extended its hours to accommodate families who needed care beyond the traditional three-hour morning preschool. The school boasts 31 School Readiness slots with the majority of children enrolled attending full-day preschool.

In addition, the program uses Creative Curriculum in concert with State of CT preschool Curricular and Assessments Frameworks. One teacher from each classroom will be enrolled in the pilot program to introduce the new Early Learning Standards to the Cycle of Intentional Teaching.

"Investments in early childhood education position our young children for success in school. Expanding access to early learning experiences is a critical element of our education reform strategy," said State Department of Education Commissioner Stefan Pryor. "Thanks to Governor Malloy's leadership, this important work is a high priority for our state. With the General Assembly's continued support, Connecticut will create a truly high quality and coordinated early childhood system."

"We believe in the importance of quality early childhood experiences as building blocks for future success," stated Deb Huebner, Director for the First Congregational Church Nursery School. "We strive to provide an enriched preschool environment that meets the social, emotional, physical and cognitive needs of 3- and 4-year-old children."

"We know that access to quality pre-K programming improves future academic performance, but it does much more than that - it leads to better life outcomes," said State Sen. Eric D. Coleman (D-Bloomfield). "I'm thankful to Governor Malloy for leading the push for universal access to pre-K, and for shining the spotlight on a Bloomfield treasure."

"I am keenly aware of the importance of pre-school education and the advantages it offers in preparing our children for their academic studies. My wife, Paula, is a pre-school teacher so I understand the learning and social interaction that become important skills in helping children as they develop to their full potential," said State Rep. David Baram (D-Bloomfield). "I am especially proud of the First Congregational Church Nursery School, which is a leader in pre-school education, opening its doors to people of all backgrounds, and insuring that through various state programs, financial assistance is available so that no child is denied an educational opportunity. Bloomfield has been a leader in educational reform, and First Congregational Church Nursery School is an important part of our community's commitment to learning."

In addition to universal access to pre-K, the Governor's proposed budget included funding for a quality rating and improvement system for child care providers and improvements to the state's child care licensing system.

The Office of Early Childhood recently launched a website with information about the proposal for universal access to pre-k. To view the website, go to www.ct.gov/oec/upk .

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For Immediate Release: March 13, 2014

Facebook: Office of Governor Dannel P. Malloy