Early Learning Collaborative Act of 2013 Will Expand Early Education in Mississippi

Governor Bryant signed the Early Learning Collaborative Act of 2013 into law in April of this year, creating the first voluntary state-funded Pre-Kindergarten program in our state.

More specifically, The Early Learning Collaborative Act will:

• Authorize and direct the State Department of Education to implement a Pre-Kindergarten program in the State of Mississippi on a phased in basis;
• Commit funding of the Early Learning Collaborative Act of 2013 on a phased in basis;
• Designate the State Early Childhood Advisory Council (SEAC) in the Office of the Governor to assist the State Department of Education in implementing the Early Learning Collaborative Act;
• Provide qualifications for state and federally funded early childhood education program personnel; &
• Provide for a state income tax credit for contributions to qualified Pre-K programs.

Why Pre-K Matters in Mississippi

High quality Pre-K is the first, essential step toward building the educated workforce that will create a better economic future for Mississippi. Studies have shown that the benefits of Pre-K go far beyond children’s school years and into their adult lives. High quality Pre-K can lead to lower dropout rates, higher incomes, and reduced crime rates. Furthermore, Pre-K can set in motion a long-range pattern of learning that helps to keep students in school, out of juvenile detention and crime, and on their way to becoming active citizens and productive workers who help increase a state’s productivity, tax base and quality of life.[i]

Pre-K’s Return on Investment

Economist Robert Lynch, author of Enriching Children, Enriching the Nation, developed projections that quantified how high-quality Pre-K programs in Mississippi can pay for themselves over time.  Lynch calculated the cost-benefit rations for three different Pre-K options as shown in Chart 1, below.  The returns on investment range from $6.97 in benefits for every dollar of cost to $12.30 in benefits for every dollar spent on Pre-K over a period of 40 years (Projections were calculated for a period ranging from 2010 through 2050).

The Early Learning Collaborative is a positive step in the right direction.  Now and in the future, our economy will be fueled by information and new technology.  Employees will need technological proficiency, analytical skills, innovation and creativity and the ability to work in an increasingly diverse workforce. By beginning to commit to providing access to quality, supported Pre-K programs, our state is making an enormous contribution toward the greater success of all of Mississippi’s children and the economic future of our state as a whole.