Dear Editor:

As a career educator, both teacher and administrator, I am pleased to have the time to work for and support the re-election of Governor Janet Mills. In the past four years she has done a yeoman’s job to turn the state around in the areas of finance, social welfare, and education.

Of special importance to me, is the investment of $10 million in Pre-Kindergarten Expansion Grants. We all know the first years of life are a critical developmental period for children. This funding will assist schools in their mission to create or expand already existing Pre-K programs. Research demonstrates that children from middle income families have approximately 13 books to call their own and have a vocabulary of nearly 3,000 words. I have witnessed first-hand the disadvantage a primary school child has in the classroom when they have not been exposed to books and language opportunities in early childhood education. Not having the opportunity to practice the equally important social and academic skills that contribute to being ready to become serious lifetime learners puts these young children at a serious disadvantage. Not having begun their educational career on a level playfield, they run the serious risk of falling behind and not being able to catch up to their peers. They can easily become at-risk or troubled students never able to reach their full potential.

The Pre-Kindergarten Expansion Grants are a profound and wise investment in the future of our children and in our Maine community. They will help level the educational field to provide every child in Maine the opportunity to reach their maximum educational potential.

I hope you will join me in casting your vote for governor for Governor Janet Mills.

Julie Niedhamer Tenan

Newcastle