I am writing in response to a recent article, ("Preschool funding cuts hit Ohioans the hardest,"
Record-Courier, Oct. 25.) As principal of Davey Elementary School and director of the Preschool, I am extremely disappointed in the state's decision to cut funding for Ohio's Early Learning Initiative and Early Childhood Education programs.
Current research in the field of early childhood education tells us the earlier we intervene with children the better chance they will have at being successful in school. The cuts to the Early Learning Initiative program will affect some 12,000 children who will now have fewer choices or no access to other early learning opportunities in the state. This is a time when we should be increasing the early learning opportunities instead of cutting them.
Recent studies tell us that a child who has no access to early learning opportunities comes to kindergarten with a vocabulary of about 5,000 words. Children who have preschool experiences enter kindergarten with a vocabulary of about 20,000 words. We know that language and vocabulary are very important to a child's academic success. How will we as parents and educators ever be able to close that gap for our children? That is why there needs to be more focus and support of early childhood initiatives in the State of Ohio.
Ohio lawmakers need to put politics aside and make early childhood initiatives their priority. If you agree with my thinking, contact your state lawmakers about restoring and increasing funding for our young children and Ohio's future.
Linda Walker
Principal
Davey Elementary PreK-5
Kent