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Governor Lee’s Education Bill Package is a Strong Start for Tackling TN’s Early Learning Gap
TQEE actively supported the Lee administration’s education proposals during the special session as a strong and important start for addressing the literacy crisis and education-related challenges laid bare by the pandemic. With nearly two-thirds of Tennessee’s third graders not proficient in reading and math – a number that has likely worsened due to the COVID-19 pandemic – improving early education is an
Agreed: $732+ million is WAY too much! Getting the TANF Reserve Amount Right
Half of all children ages 0 - 8 in Tennessee live in households with incomes below 200% of the federal poverty level -- that's $51,853 annually for a family of two adults and two children. The United Ways of Tennessee ALICE report (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) says a survival budget is $65,040 for that family of four, and also that pre-COVID, 47%
Special Legislative Session Called at a Crucial Time for Getting Early Education Right in Tennessee
Governor Bill Lee has called a special legislative session, beginning Tuesday, January 19th, to prioritize passing a suite of education bills related to sagging literacy, learning loss, assessment and accountability and salary increases for teachers and other educational staff. With two-thirds of Tennessee’s third graders not proficient in reading and math – a number that has likely worsened due to the COVID-19
TQEE Appoints Lee Harrell as VP, Advocacy
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennesseans for Quality Early Education (TQEE) announces the appointment of Lee Harrell as Vice President of Advocacy. In this role, Harrell will direct TQEE’s state advocacy program, advancing state policies that ensure all Tennessee children birth through 3rd grade get the high-quality early education they need to power our state’s future. “We are thrilled to welcome Lee Harrell to our
New investment of TANF in evidence-based home visiting is a step in the right direction
TQEE has been among the state’s strongest advocates for expanding Evidence-Based Home Visiting (EBHV), a best practice in early childhood development which has repeatedly proven to strengthen parenting skills, reduce abuse and neglect, and get children ready for school. In addition to the well-documented positive impact on lives, the program generates savings for taxpayers up to $5.70 for every $1 invested through reduced
Home Visiting’s Powerful Human Stories
Take a step back from the compelling financial return on investment of evidence-based home visiting (EBHV) policy to study the true impact of this vital program through the lives of Tennessee children. While home visiting boasts a remarkable $5.70 positive return for every $1 investment, it’s most powerful performance measure is best viewed via the experiences of thousands of Tennessee children around
Senate Republicans look to add money for child care in Covid relief measure
Republicans and Democrats alike understand that affordable, quality child care is crucial to economic growth. That's why Senate Republicans are likely to include a provision to provide billions of dollars for child care providers in the GOP's federal coronavirus relief bill, according to this Politico article. TQEE's annual poll of Tennessee voters revealed 90% of voters believe child care has a major impact
Mayor Jake Bynum – Weakley County, TN – On Early Education, PreK and Child Care
Mayor Jake Bynum of Weakley County, TN joined TQEE for our 2020 Day on the Hill to advocate for state policies that support quality early childhood education and, in turn, improved workforce and economic outcomes for Tennesseans. He shared his perspective with us on video, and was also joined in some of that video footage by Rep. Kirk Haston --a champion
Mayors Speak for Children at TQEE Day on the Hill
On February 19th, Mayors from counties across the state joined TQEE to emphasize the importance of policies that would allow for accessible and affordable childcare, expanded Pre-K and overall improved early learning. As Mayor Julian McTizic of Bolivar put it: “The future of our community and the future of our state depends on early childhood education.” Ninety advocates from across the state
Mayor McTizic – Bolivar, TN – On Early Education, PreK and Child Care
We were thrilled to have the support of Mayor Julian McTizic of Bolivar, TN at our 2020 Day on the Hill. Mayor McTizic joined us in advocating for improved early childhood education including expanded access to high-quality PreK and child care options for Tennessee families. Check out these videos below where the Mayor shared his valuable perspective with us. Early Childhood Education “The
