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“Pre-K Degreed Teachers Debuts at Capitol Rotunda”  

The urgency of the need for high quality pre-kindergarten programs in Florida reached the Capitol this week.

The Picture the Future traveling exhibit debuted Tuesday on the plaza level of the Capitol where it will remain through Friday.

The exhibit combines the artwork of four-year-olds, who depict their career aspirations, along with information about the economic and educational benefits of mandating high quality pre-k teachers, specifically degreed teachers in pre-k classrooms. The exhibit has been viewed previously in public places across the state, including libraries and other government settings. To see pictures of the display click here.

The placement of the display in the capitol rotunda raises awareness among elected officials, employees of the state legislature and cabinet level officers and visitors.

Picture the Future has entered its second year of attention generation and was kicked off this year with a bi-partisan letter sent from seven former governors to each of Florida’s 160 senators and representatives inviting them to participate. The seven former governors included Reubin Askew, Bob Graham, Claude Kirk, Bob Martinez, Buddy MacKay and Wayne Mixson. The late Lawton Chiles was represented by his surviving spouse, Rhea Chiles. The governors recognized this year’s Picture the Future honorary co-chairs, Dr. Charles Crist and Mrs. Nancy Crist of St. Petersburg.

To read the letter of invitation click here.

To learn more about Picture the Future click here.

PRE-K NOW ISSUES RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND

Work in Florida to emphasize the importance of quality early childhood education is part of a national effort to focus on the benefits of high quality pre-kindergarten programs. The movement is certainly growing as evidenced by increased appropriations in 36 states last year ( Florida, sadly, was not one of them).

Recently, Pre-K Now issued recommendations to be included in the federal No Child Left Behind Act that is scheduled for reauthorization in March. Pre-K Now, is a public education and advocacy organization that advances high-quality, voluntary pre-kindergarten for all three and four year olds.

Included in these recommendations is a specific definition of a “highly qualified” pre-k teacher. According to the recommendations, “The definition should include a bachelor’s degree and specialization in early childhood education in addition to any certification required by the state pre-k program.”

To learn more about Pre-K Now and the status of pre-kindergarten programs nationwide click here.