An majority of Pennsylvania voters support continued government investment in quality early childhood education (ECE), according to a poll released on Feb. 17, 2010 by the Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children (PennAEYC), the Delaware Valley Association for the Education of Young Children (DVAEYC) and the Pittsburgh Association for the Education of Young Children (PAEYC).

More than four in five voters across the Commonwealth (81 percent) support providing early childhood education to all children in Pennsylvania, with a near three-to-one margin of voters who believe ECE should be state-funded (71 percent in favor).

Support for the programs also crosses ideological lines. Approximately seven in ten conservatives (70 percent) favor quality early childhood programs, while nine in ten self-described liberals (92 percent) and moderates (88 percent) also express support.

Support of quality early childhood education programs is consistent across all areas of the state.

A majority (75 percent) of voters expressed favor for a commitment to reliable and affordable education for children in early childhood education programs. Voters also firmly oppose cutting funding for quality early childhood education programs for children 0 to 5 years of age in order to balance the state's budget. Even in the context of addressing Pennsylvania's budget deficit, three in five voters (62 percent) oppose decreasing funds for early childhood education, with one in three voters (33 percent) in support.

"Pennsylvania voters recognize the importance of quality ECE because of its meaningful and lasting results in educational performance. Young children (0-5 years old) must have access to high-quality, developmentally-appropriate education, as it provides key resources to children during the most critical stage in brain development," said Sharon Easterling, Executive Director of DVAEYC. "We urge all gubernatorial candidates and Pennsylvania lawmakers to speak out about the scientific logic, the fiscal prudence and the moral imperative of investing in Pennsylvania's youngest children - answering the call the voters of the Commonwealth have made for ECE."

"The short-term economic benefits of early childhood education are savings in education costs, a more stable/productive workforce, gains for working families in health, schooling and earnings, and decreased child abuse," stated Michelle Figlar, executive director of the Pittsburgh Association for the Education of Young Children (PAEYC).

"Pennsylvania stands to save money by saving quality early childhood education programs rather than cutting them," added Jodi Askins, Executive Director of Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children (PennAEYC). "Governor Rendell announced a 4 percent increase in spending for education in his 2010/2011 Budget Address, bringing the investment to $11.8 million. PennAEYC and its partners are working to ensure the Pennsylvania Legislature and citizens continue to recognize the importance of providing and investing in early childhood education across the Commonwealth for the benefit of children and adults."

Delaware Valley Association for the Education of Young Children (DVAEYC), Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children (PennAEYC) and the Pittsburgh Association for the Education of Young Children (PAEYC) hired Tulchin Research, of San Francisco, CA, to conduct a poll measuring aspects of voter support for quality early childhood education across the state of Pennsylvania.

From Dec. 15 to Dec. 20, Tulchin Research conducted a telephone survey of 650 likely voters in Pennsylvania, with 600 voters statewide and an oversample of 50 voters in the Southeastern PA. The margin of error is +/- 3.9 percentage points for the statewide sample.