Stimulus Should Leave No Preschoolers Behind
February 1, 2009
Steve Barnett, director of the National Institute for Early Education Research, cautions against proposed reductions to education, and early education in particular, in the economic stimulus package pending in Congress. Citing the future savings for taxpayers in terms of preventing grade repetition, special education, and crime that early education can bring, Dr. Barnett urges Congress to ensure the early education funds be used to raise standards, train teachers, and implement continuous improvement processes for real accountability.
The Authors
W. Steven (Steve) Barnett is a Board of Governors Professor and the founder and Senior Co-Director of the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) at Rutgers University. Dr. Barnett’s work primarily focuses on public policies regarding early childhood education, child care, and child development.