WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) today introduced bipartisan legislation to promote early education in disadvantaged communities. The Pre-K for Kids Act, which is co-led by Representative Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03), would create a grant program at the U.S. Department of Education for state-led pre-kindergarten programs in low-income communities.
“As a dad of six, I’m committed to investing in Iowa’s future. Pre-kindergarten education is critical to laying a strong foundation for our kids,” said Rep. Nunn. “Every Iowan, regardless of zip code or income deserves access to affordable education opportunities. We have an obligation to ensure that public education is meeting the needs of every single child.”
Studies show that children have a greater chance for success when they are exposed earlier in life to educational learning and literacy activities. Pre-kindergarten education for three- and four-year-old children reduces educational gaps while promoting positive long-term benefits to a child’s development, speech, and more.
“Your bank account shouldn’t dictate the quality of early education services your kids are able to access,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “As a mom, I’m excited to work with Rep. Nunn to invest in the future of all our kids.”
However, according to the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER), during the 2020-21 school year, 300,000 fewer children attended preschool, making it the most significant drop in 20 years. Just 31 percent of low-income children were in pre-school programs by the fall of 2021. In 2023, only 2,149 three-year-old children and 25,702 four-year-old children were enrolled in state pre-kindergarten programs in Iowa.
The bipartisan Pre-K for Kids Act would require the U.S. Department of Education to establish a new grant program to support state educational agencies to facilitate pre-kindergarten programs that serve families with a household income of $30,000 or less.
Text of the bill can be found here.