By Bob Katzen

The Education Committee held a hearing on a bill that would require the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) to administer a publicly funded Pre-K program, which would be available each week a public school is in session for each child from 2 years and 9 months of age to 5 years of age, who is not eligible for or enrolled in kindergarten operated by a public school. The measure would also create a Pre-K Advisory Council within EEC to assist in administering the Universal Pre-K program.

“Pre-K has been shown to have a significant effect on students’ linguistic, academic and social development, but it is prohibitively expensive for so many in the commonwealth,” said sponsor Rep. Danillo Sena (D-Acton). “I filed this bill because I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to attend Pre-K.”