Memphis early childhood advocates discuss the potential impact of universal pre-k

View the full article and watch the interview here: https://www.wmcactionnews5.com/2021/04/29/memphis-early-childhood-advocates-discuss-potential-impact-universal-pre-k/

President Biden’s $1.8 trillion American Families Plan has many universal pre-school advocates feeling hopeful.

The president announced a spending plan that would make it easier for high-poverty schools to serve free meals, fund programs to train and support teachers, and would expand universal prekindergarten access.

“Early childhood advocates, including myself, across the country and in Memphis are so excited about his plan about his vision for pre-K for three and four-year-olds,” said Dr. Kandace Thomas, executive director of First 8 Memphis.

First 8 Memphis is a non-profit that seeks to establish a strong educational base for every child in Shelby County. Thomas says the need for universal Pre-K in Memphis and Shelby County is great.