Early Education Advocates Cheer ATL Mayor’s $5 Million Investment
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens announced the City of Atlanta will invest $5 million toward early education services in his State of the City address yesterday. As part of his announcement, he also urged the school system to match this commitment and challenged the private sector to raise $10 million to match the public sector contribution.
“We are thankful for the Mayor’s leadership on an issue that is so crucial to many families’ economic security and to the long-term success of Atlanta’s children,” said Stephanie Blank, board chair of the Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students (GEEARS), which leads the PAACT: Promising All Atlanta Children Thrive initiative. “Childcare and preschool programs are integral to Atlanta’s economy, and this public-private investment sets an example for communities across America.”
PAACT is a city-wide alliance of public and private partners collaborating to improve learning, health, and well-being outcomes for Atlanta’s youngest children and their families. The group was convened by GEEARS and continues to be led by the organization.