Dear Editor:
This writer recalls in approximately 1965 under the Johnson Administration the opening of the first Head Start pre-schools in Jersey City. This most worthy program was responsible for giving children an introduction to school life at an early age and many of the great leaders today participated in this educational endeavor.
In Gov. Phil Murphy’s budget message he included $83 million dollars for the expansion of the pre-K programs throughout New Jersey. He is seeking to add communities to this program and this certainly demonstrates the governor’s commitment for thousands of our three and four year olds to participate. In the past administration there has been mention of the expansion of the program but no action in this area. The governor noted that studies certainly indicate that a pre-K experience for a child builds a strong foundation for that child’s educational future.
When this writer attended public grammar school in Jersey City in the 1950s there was no pre-K and in many cases even kindergarten did not provide enough educational exercises. Times have changed and children complete academic work in kindergarten today thereby making the pre-K experience a necessity.
Let us petition our state legislators to stand behind Gov. Murphy and give all children in New Jersey a head start in their education with the pre-K activities.
Robert B. Knapp,
