Rivera’s pre-K public policy hearing elicits a rich discussion from community education experts
Rep. Nikki Rivera March 7, 2025 | 1:59 PM
LANCASTER, March 7 – State Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, held a public policy hearing Thursday to explore the impact of pre-K programming in Lancaster.
Education experts and stakeholders explored and discussed the impact of pre-K education on children’s K-12 educational experiences and the challenges and needs of these programs.
Presenters included representatives from Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13, Community Action Partnership of Lancaster, Manheim Township School District, Pennsylvania Child Care Association, T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Pennsylvania, School District of Lancaster, YWCA of Lancaster, Lancaster Recreation Commission, Pennsylvania School Library Association, Pennsylvania School Counselors Association and the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce.
Presenters spoke and attendees, which included state representatives, Deputy Secretary Shante Brown from the state Office of Child Development and Early Learning, and Lancaster County Commissioner Alice Yoder, were able to ask questions of each presenter.
“After 30 years of teaching experience, there’s one big thing that I know is true: early investments in childhood education pay dividends for decades in a student’s life,” Rivera said. “You want a child with sharp cognitive and social skills, then you want to spend the money and the time making sure they get the holistic pre-K education they need to thrive during their formative years and beyond.
“I want to thank the presenters from the community who gave us a wealth of information to think about as we work for a legislative solution that will provide high-quality, pre-K instruction to all Pennsylvania’s kids.”
“Whether it’s economic development, workforce readiness, social services or the county jail, the information and data presented by the speakers today clearly demonstrated the positive impact that a strong, robust Pre-K education can have on the future vitality and wellbeing of Lancaster County,” Yoder said.
“The presenters today have reaffirmed what years of studies have told us: a strong pre-K education is the key, the foundation, for a child’s educational success,” said state Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster. “It’s on us -- legislators, educational and municipal leaders -- to work together so that all kids have a chance to get the educational foundation that will set them on the path to personal and academic achievement. Thanks to today’s presenters, we’ve got the information to help us draw a map to help us make pre-K education a reality for Pennsylvania’s kids.”
"Investing in pre-K is not just about early education -- it’s about setting our children up for lifelong success,” said state Rep. Greg Scott, D-Montgomery. “Quality Pre-K programs strengthen our communities, support working families and ensure every child has the foundation they need to thrive in school and beyond."
"At YWCA Lancaster, we understand how important it is to provide a high-quality and affordable Pre-K program to the community, said Susan Knoll, a licensed clinical social worker and YWCA chief mission officer. “Pre-K funding is crucial because it provides the youngest members of our community with a strong foundation for lifelong learning, helping to close achievement gaps before they widen. High-quality early childhood education improves cognitive and social development leading to better academic performance, higher graduation rates and increased economic opportunities later in life.
“Investing in Pre-K also benefits our community by reducing the need for remedial education, lowering crime rates and increasing workforce productivity. Without adequate funding, many children, particularly those from low-income families, miss out on these essential early learning experiences, exacerbating educational inequities and limiting future success.
“At YWCA Lancaster, our commitment is to create a nurturing environment where children can learn, play and grow. We remain committed to our mission of enriching the lives of children and supporting families in their pursuit of a better life. But we need help. We need a dedicated investment by our state and local elected officials to these programs. We need to ensure that every child has access to the high-quality, enriching educational experience that they deserve.”
More information about Thursday’s hearing is available by contacting Rivera’s office at 717-295-3157 or emailing RepRivera@pahouse.net.