Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono

Early Education

See what Congresswoman Hirono has to say about the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act, and a new program to invest $10 billion in quality early education over the next decade.

Quality early education is foundational. National studies have shown that the first five years of life are crucially important years in brain development and early learning.

Investing in our keiki at the earliest ages to enable them to succeed in school and in life makes economic sense as well. Various studies have shown that a $1 investment in preschool today will save between $2 and $17 in the future.

Support for early education is a critical investment, and I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to provide access to high quality preschool opportunities.

Providing Resources Early for Kids Act
Congresswoman Hirono returns to the inspirational beginning of the PRE-K Act

The PRE-K Act (H.R. 3289) would establish a federal grant program to encourage and support state efforts to provide high quality preschool opportunities for our children. Grant funds would be available to invest in the professional development of preschool teachers and provide more classroom access and opportunities for children, among other uses. Congresswoman Hirono introduced the PRE-K Act in 2007, and the bill was passed in the House Committee on Education and Labor in June 2008 with 120 Co-Sponsors.