HARTFORD — Democratic leaders in the legislature presented an ambitious proposal Wednesday to dramatically expand government-funded early childhood education programs in Connecticut.

Standing alongside educators from across the state at a Capitol press conference, a group of powerful lawmakers, including Senate President Donald Williams and House Speaker Brendan Sharkey, outlined their plan to spend $200 million over 10 years. The money would cover the cost of providing "a "high-quality" pre-kindergarten experience in public schools for about 50,000 3- and 4-year-olds.

"We believe that this will improve the lives of thousands of children," said Sen. Beth Bye, a West Hartford Democrat who holds bachelor's and master's degress in early childhood education and once worked as a program director at Capitol Region Education Council.

Supporters of the plan point to a growing body of research demonstrating a connection between preschool education and later academic success. Dozens of states have launched or expanded early childhood programs in recent years, and many politicians, including Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, have made universal preschool a priority.
http://www.courant.com/news/politics/hc-universal-pre-kindergarten-0410-20140409,0,4391926.story