Thanks to all the parents and friends of PIC who called, faxed and e-mailed their state and local officials in support of Pre-K Counts, an initiative approved in this year's statewide budget that will bring quality preschool education to 11,000 children statewide. And many, many thanks to our legislators for investing in Pennsylvania's future generations. The budget passed in July 2007 included:

• $75 million for Pre-K Counts to serve 11,000 children
• $86 million in new funding for Child Care Works to increase rates and slots
• $9 million in new funds for Keystone Stars to support its continued growth and a restoration of the financial incentives to previous, higher levels

As a 4-star center, PIC was awarded nearly $60,000 last year in Keystone Stars grants that supported program improvements and bonuses for teachers who achieved high standards.

Even with the new statewide investment in pre-k education, fewer than 10% of Pennsylvania preschoolers are enrolled in public pre-kindergarten programs. Find out more about the pre-K movement to provide universal, quality pre-kindergarten education to all families who want it.

Take a stand on state and local issues with Action Alerts from Philadelphia Citizens for Children and Youth.

Interested in advocating for all our children? Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children explains more about state funding for education, child care and kids' health.