Dear Editor:

I was encouraged to read a recent news article about Edgecomb Eddy School’s enrollment continuing to grow, including its pre-kindergarten program. I found the unique partnership with Alna and Westport Island of particular interest. Finding creative ways to increase the number of kids who have access to early learning programs means more kids and communities will experience the beneficial outcomes of high-quality pre-K, including reduced future crime.

High-quality early learning programs like pre-K give kids, especially at-risk kids, the solid learning foundation they need to be good learners when they start school. Reaching children before age 5 –the years when rapid brain development takes place – gives many of them a better chance to develop the cognitive, social and emotional skills they need to be ready to learn. These skills help put kids on a path toward success. Research shows us that kids who participate in high-quality learning programs are more likely to do better in school, graduate high school, and become productive members of society as adults. When kids succeed and subsequently avoid lives of crime, our communities are safer as a result.

Our state’s children need a solid early foundation from which they can build, grow, and succeed. High-quality pre-K programs help give kids this good start. I am very pleased Edgecomb, Alna and Westport Island youth have this opportunity. I look forward to the continued growth and success of Edgecomb Eddy School’s pre-K program, and the resulting success of the kids who participate.

Todd Brackett

Lincoln County Sheriff