Soaring Higher with Pre-K–Now More Than Ever

Oregon has invested extensively in pre-K over the past several years. However, gaps in access and quality remain, particularly for children of color and those from rural areas. The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on the early education system, forcing many providers to close, impacting parents who rely on pre-K to help cover their child care needs and children who need quality care and education to support their development. The number of children in Oregon who lack access to pre-K and the negative impacts of the pandemic on the pre-K system is concerning, given extensive research demonstrating the benefits of high-quality pre-K for children and, ultimately, public safety. The law enforcement leaders of Fight Crime: Invest in Kids Oregon are calling on state policymakers to continue to invest in what works: high-quality early childhood education.