Senator Lynn Evans, the incoming chairman of the Iowa Senate Education Committee, is advocating for expanded access to preschool as a key solution to improving early childhood literacy in the state. As a retired superintendent from Aurelia, Senator Evans emphasizes the importance of ensuring that all five-year-olds are prepared and equipped with the necessary skills to succeed when they enter kindergarten.
Addressing the Literacy Gap
Research indicates that by the age of five, most children recognize around 10,000 words. However, children from low-income households tend to have a smaller vocabulary, highlighting a significant literacy gap that must be addressed. To bridge this gap, some school districts are offering full-day preschool programs, but unfortunately, they require tuition to cover the additional hours not covered by state tax dollars. Proposal for Full-Day Preschool
Senator Evans proposes implementing a structured, research-based curriculum in a preschool setting for four-year-olds to increase access for families who may not have the financial means to afford it independently. Last year, he suggested that the state cover the costs of full-day preschool for children from households with an annual income at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty rate. Senator Evans has been refining this proposal and is eagerly awaiting Governor Reynolds’ upcoming legislative agenda announcement on January 14 to see how they can align their visions. Collaboration for Early Childhood Literacy
Senator Evans acknowledges Governor Reynolds’ commitment to early childhood literacy and ensuring appropriate preschool environments for families in need. He is open to collaborating with her to improve access to preschool and ultimately enhance early literacy outcomes for Iowa’s children. The state’s current voluntary preschool program for four-year-olds provides funding for 10 hours of instruction per week, but a coalition of public and private school organizations is advocating for the expansion of full-day preschool options for children from low-income households.
Senator Evans proposes implementing a structured, research-based curriculum in a preschool setting for four-year-olds to increase access for families who may not have the financial means to afford it independently. Last year, he suggested that the state cover the costs of full-day preschool for children from households with an annual income at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty rate. Senator Evans has been refining this proposal and is eagerly awaiting Governor Reynolds’ upcoming legislative agenda announcement on January 14 to see how they can align their visions.
Collaboration for Early Childhood Literacy
Senator Evans acknowledges Governor Reynolds’ commitment to early childhood literacy and ensuring appropriate preschool environments for families in need. He is open to collaborating with her to improve access to preschool and ultimately enhance early literacy outcomes for Iowa’s children. The state’s current voluntary preschool program for four-year-olds provides funding for 10 hours of instruction per week, but a coalition of public and private school organizations is advocating for the expansion of full-day preschool options for children from low-income households.
In conclusion, Senator Lynn Evans’ advocacy for expanded access to preschool as a means of boosting early childhood literacy in Iowa underscores the importance of addressing educational disparities and providing all children with a strong foundation for academic success. By working collaboratively with key stakeholders and policymakers, Senator Evans aims to create a more equitable and inclusive educational system that benefits all Iowa families and children.
