Congresswoman Susan Davis Supports Preschool Improvement Bill

Press Release

The House Educational and Labor Committee has approved legislation spearheaded by Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego) and a group of her colleagues to enhance early childhood education programs around the country.

The committee approved the Providing Resources for Kids Act (H.R. 3289) on a 31-11 vote this week.

During committee proceedings, Davis sought to further improve the legislation by offering an amendment for teacher mentoring programs. States could use the money they receive from H.R. 3289 to fund induction and mentoring programs for their new preschool teachers, program directors, and staff. Davis's amendment was approved by the committee by a vote of 26-17.

"A critical part of high quality preschool education is having excellent teachers," said Davis, a member of the committee. "Numerous research studies have also found teacher mentoring and induction to have a positive effect on teacher performance and retention."

According to expert estimates, 30 percent of new teachers leave the profession within 5 years with even higher turnover rates in low-income areas. One reason for this high turnover rate has been the lack of professional support. Davis's amendment is an attempt to help reverse the trend.

The overall bill would make $500 million available for the next five years for increasing the number and quality of teachers, providing health screenings and nutrition services, and increasing compensation and benefits for school staff. States that already fund preschool would be allowed to use the funds to expand and improve their existing programs. States that do not currently fund preschool would be allowed to use the funds to develop and implement a preschool program.

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