ROCHESTER, IL - [1/18/2024]
Governor J.B. Pritzker, alongside Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton, visited Rochester's EC-1 Elementary School to celebrate the implementation of a transformative 'Smart Start' grant. The grant, recently awarded to the Rochester School District, is funding both morning and afternoon preschool classes, furthering the state's commitment to early childhood education.
The 'Smart Start' grant enables the district to employ a full-time teacher and aide for each class, ensuring enhanced learning opportunities for at-risk children. Thanks to this initiative, all participating families incur no costs for their children to attend.
The morning and afternoon classes, made possible by the grant, address the crucial need for quality early childhood education. Governor Pritzker emphasized the long-term impact of investing in early learning, stating, "Our children's futures are shaped in their earliest years, and the 'Smart Start' grant is an investment in building a strong foundation for success."
Accompanying the Governor and Lt. Governor were esteemed guests, including State Superintendent Tony Sanders, State Senator Doris Turner, State Representative Sue Scherer, and Illinois State Representative Mike Coffey. Their presence underscored the significance of the grant in advancing educational opportunities for young learners in Rochester.
Lt. Governor Stratton underscored the critical role that early education plays in a child's success, saying, "When you invest in early education you are starting a domino effect in that child's life. Because they have early exposure to education they become successful in elementary school, they become successful in their higher learning, and then they become successful in their lives."
Speakers at the event included Rochester Superintendent Dan W. Cox, Governor J.B. Pritzker, Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton, State Superintendent Tony Sanders, Senator Doris Turner, Representative Sue Scherer, and Early Education and Special Education Director Jennifer Shaw. Each speaker highlighted the collaborative effort and dedication required to secure the 'Smart Start' grant and the positive impact it will have on the community.
Rochester Superintendent Dan W. Cox expressed gratitude for the state's commitment to early childhood education, stating, "The Smart Start' grant is an investment in our youngest learners and our collective future as a community and state."
A high point of the visit was Governor Pritzker and Lt. Governor Stratton interacting with students in the newly funded preschool classes, highlighting the practical outcomes of their commitment to accessible and quality education for all children in the state.
"Smart start is a promise to our children. We are saying 'You deserve a bright future and we believe in you!'" Stratton said.
As the 'Smart Start' initiative takes root in Rochester, it serves as a beacon of hope for the future of early childhood education in Illinois, reinforcing the state's dedication to fostering a strong educational foundation for every child.