Twenty-five murders and 1,700 aggravated assaults could be prevented in Kansas each year if more children attended a high-quality pre-kindergarten program, according to a report released Monday.
And more pre-kindergarten programs in Kansas could increase the state's high school graduation rate by 10 percent, according to Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, a national anti-crime organization behind the report.
Kansas Attorney General Steve Six, a member of the group, said he hopes the report will help legislators understand the importance of funding early education programs.
"I can tell you from my time as a judge, if you don't get kids early, there's better odds you're going to see them ending up in court or getting in some kind of trouble," said Six, a former Douglas County district judge. "(The report's) a good tool to demonstrate to people in an objective way how important programs like Head Start and Early Head Start are in helping kids get on the right path."
In 2007, 86 percent of 3-year-olds and 66 percent of 4-year-olds were not enrolled in state pre-kindergarten programs, Head Start, or early childhood special education programs, the report said. Plus, the report said funding for Head Start is sufficient to serve only 57 percent of the Kansas children living in poverty who are eligible for the program.
The state is currently spending about $5 million on early childhood education programs, according to Anna Jenny, Douglas County Child Development Association director. In 2008, the state Legislature also approved $11.1 million in new funding for grants to support early childhood education programs in the state.
But the organization behind the study said even more funding is needed.
"Reports like this : emphasize the importance of it," Six said. "We can get partners all across the state who can help talk to their own legislators and convince them and demonstrate how important funding is."
While Six said the need to reduce the dropout rate is more significant in other parts of the state, he said it's also needed in Lawrence. The dropout rate at Lawrence High School was 1.6 percent in 2005-06. It was 1.7 percent at Free State High School.
In Douglas County, 174 children are being serviced by state pre-kindergarten and the federally funded Head Start program, Jenny said. Another 76 children are on the waiting list for the programs.
"I think it's wonderful that this advocacy group is really looking at how important pre-kindergarten and early learning experiences are for kids," said Carolyn Kelly, director of the Lawrence Head Start program.
While there's always a need for additional funding, Kelly said she's confident the state is taking steps to increase the amount of money spent on early education programs.
"We are very, very fortunate that Kansas is one of the states that's really jumped on board," she said.
Comments
LJWorld.com doesn’t necessarily condone the comments here, nor does it review every post. Read our full policy. Also, read about banned accounts and harassing comments.
number3of5 (anonymous) says…
Once again, if we had parents who cared and taught their children, these reports would have nothing to go on. None of my five children ever went to pre-school and none were ever in the courts. It takes better parenting to prevent crimes, not reports. Pre-school is just glorified babysitting.
MattressMan (anonymous) says…
There probably is some truth to the story but 25 murders and 1700 aggravated assaults each year? How do they reach those numbers? I guess giving them a good education where they can learn to embezzle and cheat people is better than the alternative.
ECEforAll (anonymous) says…
I'm just wondering if anyone clicked on the link and read the actual research report that supports this article before posting opinions.
foodboy (anonymous) says…
number3of5 (Anonymous) says: Once again, if we had parents who cared and taught their children, these reports would have nothing to go on. None of my five children ever went to pre-school and none were ever in the courts. It takes better parenting to prevent crimes, not reports. Pre-school is just glorified babysitting.Since none of your kids went to pre-school, you may be unaware of what goes on in a quality program. Having worked in the Head Start program for 33 years I have seen what a difference dedicated teachers can make in the lives of pre-schoolers as well as their parents. Don't ignore 40 years of data because of your 5 examples.
gr (anonymous) says…
"Twenty-five murders and 1,700 aggravated assaults could be prevented in Kansas each year if more children attended a high-quality pre-kindergarten program, according to a report released Monday."Howl! Must be some pretty aggressive kids, there.
kappyblu (Kaprelle Bradley) says…
Head Start is a fabulous program and I feel very fortunate that my children were able to attend. The entire staff is wonderful and I feel blessed to have them in our lives. Preschool is NOT "glorified babysitting". It is school. The children learn a great deal and they enter kindergarten prepared for the classroom setting. Why not give your kids that boost? Why do some people have to be so cynical of a program aimed at helping children and families? It's a wonderful program and I wish the funds were available to help all children.
The_Original_Bob (anonymous) says…
Anything to keep these toddlers off our streets! I don't feel safe anymore walking during the day.
kappyblu (Kaprelle Bradley) says…
Excuse me, but you barry are the dangerous one. You are one of the members of society that places labels and stereotypes on people you don't even know. All you are doing is spreading hate and ignorance with your poor comment.
kappyblu (Kaprelle Bradley) says…
By the way, the report dictates that by boosting the graduation rate, that will decrease the numbers of murders and assaults. According to the report, increasing the number of children enrolled in high-quality preschool programs is the way to accomplish that goal. It says nothing idiotic about "dangerous toddlers". Some of you are making jokes about a serious matter that deserves attention. Get educated--knowledge is power.
The_Original_Bob (anonymous) says…
And being an ass is pathetic. Cheer up.
guesswho (anonymous) says…
Welfare was originally started so a mom could stay home with her child. Now, with 'welfare to work' programs, many parents have to work multiple jobs to pay bills. They don't have the luxury of staying home. (Don't even start on 'well, they shouldn't have babies then')And, there are a lot of kids who are home with their parents who shouldn't be home. A high-quality preschool can do wonders for children with neglect and abuse in the home.
snap_pop_no_crackle (anonymous) says…
You want to see something really scary?http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-444860/Children-monitored-signs-criminal-behaviour.html