Dear (Insert your state legislator’s name):
I know you face very difficult choices in deciding which programs to fund, with limited resources and so many needs.
As your constituent, I am writing to urge you to support state investments in New Jersey’s high-quality preschools, which have proven successful in leveling the academic playing field for low-income children and ensuring that more of our young learners arrive at kindergarten ready to learn.
Not only is this good for children, it is good for our families, communities and the state. Multiple studies show that children who attend high-quality preschool are less like to need costly special education and more likely to perform well in school.
In fact, one study from the National Institute for Early Education Research found that by 4th or 5th grade, New Jersey children who attended state-funded, quality preschools are, on average, three-quarters of an academic year ahead of students who did not attend a quality preschool. So rather than spending money on remedial education, we should invest it up front to give children a strong educational start.
Despite a 2008 mandate to expand high-quality, full-day preschool to disadvantaged students across New Jersey, only four districts have received funds to achieve this goal. It is time to make good on the promise of preschool for thousands of children. When New Jersey invests in successful preschools, children and families benefit. And so do all the residents of our state.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Address
City, State, Zip Code
