EXPAND PRESCHOOL FUNDING FOR CHILDREN IN NEED: The Community Legislative Action Team recommends an increase in weighted funding in the Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program (SWVPP) for children living at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level.

DMPS data shows that children who attend preschool are better prepared for kindergarten than those who do not, both academically and socially. Only 23% of kindergarten students who did not attend preschool met Fall kindergarten reading assessment benchmarks. When a child is living in poverty, the number drops to 15%. Children who do not attend preschool continue to lag behind their classmates through 6th grade. The State of Iowa needs to level the playing field and give every Iowa family the choice to access preschool – a solid foundation for a lifetime of learning.

The State of Iowa needs to level the playing field and give every Iowa family the choice to access preschool – a solid foundation for a lifetime of learning.

Read more in English
Read more in Spanish

Capital Crossroads and Des Moines Public Schools are teaming up to advocate for the importance of investing in all-day preschool. A new video features DMPS Superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts and Early Childhood Education Director Kristin Rourk along with Des Moines Mayor Connie Boesen and Dan Houston, Chairman of Principal Financial Group, who highlight this great investment in the community.

View the video on the DMPS-TV YouTube channel.