ATLANTA – State Representative Rashad Taylor (D-Atlanta) celebrated the 20th Anniversary of Georgia’s Pre-K program this week by visiting M. Agnes Jones Elementary School as part of “Georgia Pre-K Week.” During his visit, Rep. Taylor read to a group of 4-year-old pre-kindergarten students and saw firsthand the learning that happens each day thanks to Georgia’s Pre-K Program.
“Unfortunately, there are no ‘do-overs’ when it comes to early childhood. If we don’t get it right for children when they are young, it’s much more difficult – and expensive – to remedy later. That’s why it is essential to give all children the best possible start in life by preparing them before they begin kindergarten,” said Rep. Taylor. “I’m proud that Georgia’s lottery-funded Pre-K program is making a real difference in the lives of our children – and is helping build a better future for the State. I look forward to the day when Georgia has universal pre-k to give all our children the head start they deserve”
From October 1-5, the state celebrated its second official “Georgia Pre-K Week.” This week allows the state to bring attention to the tens of thousands of Georgia’s youngest children in recognition of the important work they do to prepare for school success. Georgia Pre-K Week also gives state leaders a unique opportunity to visit one of their local Pre-K classes to see the many ways Pre-K gets young children ready for school and on a path to reading proficiency by the third grade.
Rep. Taylor visited M. Agnes Jones Elementary School from approximately 10:00 – 11:00 AM on Friday, October 5. The school is located at 1040 Fair St, NW, Atlanta, GA 30314. While there, Rep. Taylor participated in learning activities with the children, toured the facility, talked with the staff, and got an up-close look at the many ways that the center is supporting early learning.
“Georgia’s Pre-K is an exceptional education program that serves 84,000 4-year-olds throughout Georgia,” said Pat Willis, Executive Director of Voices for Georgia’s Children, a child advocacy organization. “Pre-K is a milestone in a child’s early education. Studies show that early education programs for children age birth to five — in all income groups — will have long-term impact on a child’s education. We are proud that Georgia’s Pre-K is making a difference in the lives of so many of our youngest learners, preparing them for future success in school and in life.”
Georgia Pre-K Week is sponsored by Voices for Georgia’s Children and several of its partner organizations, including Ferst Foundation for Childhood Literacy (www.ferstfoundation.org), Georgia Association for Young Children (www.gayconline.org), Georgia Child Care Association (www.georgiachildcare.org), Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students (www.geears.org), Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education (www.gpee.org), The Junior League of Atlanta (www.jlatlanta.org), and Quality Care for Children (www.qualitycareforchildren.org).
Representative Rashad Taylor represents the citizens of District 55, which includes portions of Fulton County. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2008, and currently serves on the Education, Regulated Industries, and Ways & Means committees. Rep. Taylor also currently serves as Vice Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus.
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