Ind. Senator announces preschool plan

Indiana Senate Democratic Leader Tim Lanane, D-Anderson, announced a new plan to enroll children in early childhood education programs.

“The payoff is clear,” Lanane said in a press release. “High-quality pre-K programs produce students who are more likely to graduate from high school, earn a higher income, own a home and less likely to require remediation or commit crimes. With this
initiative, we can put all Hoosier children on the path toward success.”

Lanane said it is important for children to learn certain skills early on, which can eventually lead to long-term economic development.

The proposed legislation would give school corporations the opportunity to create their own programs in partnership with the Indiana Department of Education and with guidelines developed by the General Assembly.

Lanane said in the press release it’s time to be proactive.

“40 other states have recognized the value of high-quality early learning opportunities. By partnering with the Department of Education and incorporating community input, I believe we can rapidly put in place high-quality pre-K programs that meet unique community needs and maximize the return on investment,” Lanane said in the release.

— Sydney Murray